Governor Cuomo Signs Extreme Risk Protection Order "Red Flag" Legislation To Prevent Gun Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, rfischer@nyagv.org, 212-679-2345 New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Applauds Governor Cuomo for signing Extreme Risk Protection Order Legislation To Prevent Gun Violence --Governor Cuomo Signs Law Empowering Family Members, School Officials, and Law Enforcement to Petition Courts to Remove Firearms from Individuals in Crisis -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sign the ‘Red Flag Bill’ on Feb. 25, 2018. (credit: CBSN New York) New York, NY--February 25, 2019 - Today, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV), a statewide advocacy organization, applauded Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing New York’s Extreme Risk (“Red Flag”) Protection Order legislation into law, which establishes a court process for removing firearms from individuals who pose a serious threat to themselves or others. The bill passed both houses of the legislature with bipartisan support on January 29. Rebecca Fischer, NYAGV Executive Director, who stood with Governor Cuomo at the signing ceremony in New York City, stated, “Today, New York State has again made it a priority to protect our communities by enacting this life-saving gun violence prevention law.  Our children should be able to learn without the fear of gun violence in their classrooms.  Governor Cuomo and the legislature recognize that to keep New Yorkers safe, family, school officials, and law enforcement need a tool to remove guns from people in crisis. New York’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law will help prevent gun violence and protect our communities, schools, and homes.” Additional measures passed by the State Legislature in January that await the Governor’s signature include: extending the background check period, a ban on arming educators, a ban on bump stocks, a statewide gun buyback program, and authorization to check out-of-state mental health records of gun permit applicants. About Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO/“Red Flag” Law) --  S2451 (Kavanagh) / A2689 (Simon):   In many cases of gun violence -- including mass shootings, interpersonal violence, and suicide -- the shooter’s family members or school officials see warning signs before the fatal act of gun violence occurs. However, they often feel powerless, and are unable to intervene -- even with law enforcement support -- before tragedy occurs. ERPO addresses this gap and creates a legal framework that respects due process and each individual’s rights while preventing gun violence. If, upon a petition from a family member, school official, or law enforcement official, a court finds the individual is likely to harm him- or herself or others, the judge may issue an initial ERPO, and the individual will be required to surrender any guns to the proper authorities and will be prohibited from purchasing guns. After a second hearing, the judge may extend the order for up to a year -- at which point it will expire, unless a petition is filed to renew the order. Those subject to ERPOs will have an opportunity during the year-long ERPO period to petition the court and present evidence as to why the order should be lifted. If the order expires and is not renewed or if the order is lifted, guns surrendered will be returned to the individual and all records of the proceedings will be sealed. During 2018 and 2019, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence educated and organized communities across New York State and led a coalition of legislators, advocates, law enforcement, students, educators, faith leaders, and healthcare professionals to urge passage of New York’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law. New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and programs that protect New York State residents from gun violence. www.nyagv.org     #####

If you received this message from a friend, click here to sign up for New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.       87 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013  P 212-679-2345 F 212-679-2484  www.nyagv.org

Vote November 6th!

by nyagv on Oct 24, 2018 • 2:49 PMNo Comments

Will your candidates act to keep you safe from gun violence? Vote in the midterms November 6th and support candidates who’ll stand up to the gun lobby! (#VoteThemOut if they won’t!)

Here are NYAGV’s Congressional endorsements:

U.S. Senate Incumbent:

• U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

U.S. House Incumbents:

• Thomas Suozzi, CD-3
• Kathleen Rice, CD-4
• Gregory Meeks, CD-5
• Grace Meng, CD-6
• Nydia Velazquez, CD-7
• Hakeem Jeffries, CD-8
• Yvette Clarke, CD-9
• Jerrold Nadler, CD-10
• Carolyn Maloney, CD-12
• Adriano Espaillat, CD-13
• Jose Serrano, CD-15
• Elliot Engel, CD-16
• Nita Lowey, CD-17
• Sean Maloney, CD-18
• Paul Tonko, CD-20
• Brian Higgins, CD-26

U.S. House Challengers:

• Perry Gershon, CD-1
• Max Rose, CD-11
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, CD-14
• Antonio Delgado, CD-19
• Dana Balter, CD-24
• Joseph Morelle, CD-25
• Nate McMurray, CD-27

Click here for NYAGV’s state candidate endorsements.

NY Senators: Please Pass Extreme Risk Protection Act Now, Without Delay!!

New York needs an Extreme Risk Protection Order law.   Demand action today! Dear friend, For months, young people have been leading the fight to end gun violence and demanding action from our lawmakers. And it's working--on the state level.  In fact, since the Parkland mass shooting, five states have passed Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws to prevent mass shootings, suicides, and other gun violence. But New York is not yet one of those states. With less than a week left of the legislative session, now is the time for New York to pass an Extreme Risk Protection Order law.  An ERPO law would empower family, household members, and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove guns from individuals who are dangerous to themselves and others. And a new proposal announced by Governor Cuomo would enable school officials to request court intervention as well. The NYS Assembly and the Senate Judiciary Committee passed ERPO, and students and advocates across the state are urging the NYS Senate to bring the bill to a vote on the Senate floor. We've made progress but our work is not done. Please call your State Senator TODAY and demand that your lawmaker protect our children--and all New Yorkers--by passing an Extreme Risk Protection Order law this week.  For our families, our teachers, and our New York communities, we must act now. Thank you! Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director Call your New York State Senator and urge support of New York Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation. Find your senator's contact information here.

Take NEW YORKERS RISE UP PLEDGE to Pass Pending Gun Safety Bills in New York State Now!!

HOLD YOUR NEW YORK STATE SENATOR ACCOUNTABLE.

By signing our pledge, you are telling your senator that you are done waiting for the next mass shooting, done with active shooter drills, and done being scared to leave your home . 

Dear Friend,

The mission of New Yorkers Rise Up is to support specific pieces of legislation currently pending in the New York State Senate. We created a pledge that says that voters will not re-elect their senator if they do not support these bills: 

• S.7133A the EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER, which allows for courts to issue an order that would seize or prohibit the sale of firearms to people who are likely to harm themselves or others, and
• S.5808A, which establishes a ten day waiting period, extending the current three day period, to conduct background checks for individuals attempting to purchase a gun. Additionally, this legislation also requires licensed gun dealers to report the criminal purchase of a weapon and will require background checks for any employees authorized to possess or transfer guns. 

These bills are not especially revolutionary or progressive: they are common-sense gun reforms that will save lives. All of these bills fall within the scope of the second amendment and, therefore, do not infringe upon our constitutional rights. To keep the deadliest weapons out of the hands of those who are likely to use them for harm must be our first priority. These bills are a strong step towards a future where near-constant fear of death by gun violence is no longer the norm. With these thousands of pledges in each of the 63 New York State Senate districts we will express to Albany how many voters are passionate about this cause and are willing to vote out any senators that do not advocate for such legislation. Enough is enough and we will continue fighting until not one more person is killed by a gun.

We are currently reaching out to you in the hopes that you can sign the pledge and send it to friends and family. The legislative session ends at the end of June, so it is extremely important for this legislation to be passed before then. It will only take a minute to fill out and will go a LONG way.

You can find the pledge on our website:

www.nyriseup.com

Also, please follow and pass around our social media:

Instagram: @ny.riseup

Twitter: @nyriseup

Email: nyriseupfield [at] gmail.com

Sincerely,

New Yorkers Rise Up

Westchester-Area High School Walkouts

For more info, visit: https://www.nationalschoolwalkout.net
Event Finder: http://act.indivisible.org/event/national-school-walkout/

Letter from National School Walkout’s Leadership

To young Americans everywhere:

For too long, gun deaths have been written off as casualties sacrificed on the altar of freedom. We watch as our countrymen and women perish in streets, homes, and churches; at concerts, clubs, and theaters; and, of course, in schools. There are too many families rent asunder by a twitch of the finger. There are too many parents who hear a horrible truth from a police officer on their porch. There are too many faces that crumple into a twisted expression of hot tears and heaving sobs after learning that they will never again hug their child. There are too many empty seats at the dinner table, hollow spaces that serve as reminders of loved ones who once filled the room with warmth and laughter. There are too many mothers who must don black and bury their children less than a week after they last planted a kiss on their foreheads. There are too many siblings who still feel the longing ache of an absent companion, forever separated by a long-ago act of brutality, hatred, and rage. There is too much pain in America.

We can end the daily bloodshed in our country, and we can make history while doing it. We can rise up together and declare, with one ringing voice, that the age of national indifference towards the ever-growing death toll is over. We can change America forever, all before we reach 20 years of age.

This movement formed in the aftermath of the shooting in Parkland, Florida. Three weeks ago, the National School Walkout wasn’t so much as an idea, but today we are hundreds of thousands strong. Already, we have forced the politicians who control our country to change the script, demanding more than ‘thoughts and prayers’ in response to seeing 17 lives mercilessly snuffed out in a place where they should be safe. The credit for this success goes entirely to you, the supporters of the movement across the nation, from the packed streets of Los Angeles to the stretched-out plains of Kansas, from the tranquil canyons of Arizona to the cool forests of Maine.

The future of this movement is similarly dependent on you. Every student who walks out of class alongside their peers, every teenager-turned-activist who works tirelessly to achieve something incredible, and every city that sees thousands of young Americans pour into the streets to demand that their government do better will be the difference that changes the gun laws in this country and saves lives.

Max Cumming
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Ridgefield High School, Class of 2018

#NationalSchoolWalkout

Student Activist Walkout

Alexander Hamilton High School

98 South Goodwin Avenue

Elmsford, NY 10523

7.8 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 9:30 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Fox Lane High School Walkout

Fox Lane High School

632 S Bedford Rd

Mount Kisco, NY 10549

4.3 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Link to event information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/146688476009316/?ref=bookmarks

Sleepy Walks Out

Sleepy Hollow High School

210 North Broadway

Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

7.2 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On Friday, April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine shooting, SHHS students will walk out of class and sit outside the school to remember the lives lost in the Parkland massacre, protest the NRA, fight for increased gun control nationwide, and urge Congress to address mass shootings NOW. As high schoolers, we may not be able to vote, but our collective words and actions have the potential to create enormous change and end mass shootings forever. “Thoughts and prayers” do nothing to create real change. But real action from real students across the country just might. Wear orange. Bring signs. Join us. *This event is currently not adminisration-sanctioned, so participate at your own risk.*

Blind Brook National School Walkout

Blind Brook High School

840 King St

Rye Brook, NY 10573

9.5 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Ardsley High School Walkout

Ardsley High School

300 Farm rd

Ardsley, NY 10502

10 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Greenwich High School Walkout

Greenwich High School

10 Hillside Road

Greenwich, CT 06830

10 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

4/20 walkout

Blue mountain middle school

Furnace woods rd

Cortlandt manor, NY 10567

10 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Dobbs Ferry For Gun Control

Dobbs Ferry Middle Scholl

505 Broadway

Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

10 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Link to event information: https://www.facebook.com/events/200210290738516/

John Jay Walkout

John jay

60 N Salem Rd

Cross river, NY 10590

11 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Masters School Walkout

The Masters School

49 Clinton Ave.

Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

11 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Saunders High School Walkout

Saunders Trade and Technical High School

183 Palmer Rd.

Yonkers, NY 10701

0.4 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Gorton High school walk out

Gorton high school

100 Shonnard place

Yonkers, NY 10704

0.7 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

PEARLS Hawthorne School walkout

Pearls Hawthrne

350 Hawthorne Ave

yonkers, NY 10705

2 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November. It's a peaceful protest. No violence or damage to property will occur and if you cant handle these rules do not participate

Bronxville High School

Bronxville High School

177 Pondfield Road

Bronxville, NY 10708

2.4 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

School Walk Out

Yonkers Montessori Academy

160 Woodlawn Avenue

Yonkers, NY 10704

2.5 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Eastchester Walkout!

Eastchester School District

Stewart Pl

Eastchester, NY 10709

3.8 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

The Ursuline School Walkout

The Ursuline School

1354 North Ave

New Rochelle, NY 10804

4.3 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest, no matter what. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November

TD"S 4/20 Walkout

Thornton Donovan

100 Overlook Circle

New Rochelle, NY 10804

1.1 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Hendrick Hudson High School Walkout

Hendrick Hudson High School

2166 Albany Post Rd

Montrose, NY 10548

6.9 mi away

When:	Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, American students will walk out of class and protest. Together, we will send a message that we won’t tolerate any more inaction on this issue. And if cowardly politicians fail to act, young people will show them the consequences of letting so many Americans die by voting them out in November.

Link to event information: https://twitter.com/henhudwalkout

There might be more walkout near you -- go to www.NationalSchoolWalkout.net to check!!   Direct link to Event Finder >> http://act.indivisible.org/event/national-school-walkout/

March for Our Lives (3.24.18) -- Washington DC

Photo credit: Andrew Courtney

Broward Co. Florida schools

Olympia, Washington  Waldorf School Students

Lexington Kentucky H.S.

Maryland H,S,

Indiana H.S>

Ferguson Mo.  H,S,

Detroit, Michigan H.S.

West Virginia H.S.

a Christian Group

Williamsport, Indiana

San Antonio, Texas Family

Louisville, Kentucky H.S.

Teachers group from Iowa, Florida, N. Carolina, New York.

Amy Goodman “Democracy Now”   Takes a call

Goose Creek, South Carolina H.S.

Brunswick, Md. H.S.

Andrew with Margery Stoneham Douglas H.S. student and teachers

Humvee seals off 11th and E at the Harrington Hotel

Miami Fla. H.S.

Broward Co, Fla. Students at the Harrington

80 years ago she was a High school Student at Robert E, Lee H.S. in Richmond Va.

Detroit Mi. studtents

Detroit, Mi.   students

DC group

Fredrickburg, Va.  Students

Evansville, Ill.  Students

Sorry, lost note on this group

Desiree was the model for this poster

Parkland Fla. Students