Mayor Eric Adams Signs Times Square Sensitive Location and Illegal Gun Data Tracking Bills; Everytown, Moms Demand Action, and Students Demand Action Applaud

The New York chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statements applauding Mayor Eric Adams, a co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, for signing two pieces of vital gun safety legislation. The first bill establishes the boundaries of Times Square as a sensitive location, where carrying firearms is prohibited, including by those who have a carry permit. The second bill will track data related to illegal guns recovered in New York City, a critical first step in combating gun trafficking and identifying bad actors within the gun industry so they can be held accountable for endangering New Yorkers. 

“Mayor Adams has been on the frontlines of the gun violence crisis for years, so it’s no surprise that he’s taking decisive action to address the Supreme Court’s dangerous decision to make it easier for people to carry guns in public,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Everytown will continue to work with Mayor Adams and other New York leaders who are more concerned with ensuring public safety than gun industry profits.”

“People from all walks of life come to Times Square and should be able to enjoy this great city without the fear of the dangers of hidden, loaded guns in places they don’t belong,” said Jacqueline Elkayam, a volunteer with the New York chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are proud of the leadership by Mayor Adams, and we will continue to work together to take meaningful action to protect our communities. ” 

In an average year in New York, 870 people die by guns and 1,991 people are wounded. Gun violence costs New York $11.4 billion each year, of which $301.2 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in New York is available here.