HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced her support this week for a coalition of 21 attorneys general advocating for robust state and federal gun regulations. This coalition, spearheaded by New York, has filed an amicus brief in the case U.S. v. Steven Perez, emphasizing the critical role of federal laws in restricting the transportation and receipt of firearms across state lines.
The amicus brief submitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit argues that these federal laws are essential for maintaining public safety. It posits that regulations preventing individuals from transporting or receiving firearms from outside their state of residence help reduce violent crime and bolster law enforcement investigations.
“Preventing guns from crossing state lines—except when federally allowed—will keep guns from getting into the wrong hands through unlawful transfers like straw purchases,” said Attorney General Henry. “My Office will continue our efforts to combat gun violence by exposing and holding bad actors culpable for violating the laws. I am thankful for the opportunity to work collaboratively with other Attorneys General to encourage strong gun regulations on the state and federal level.”
The case stems from Steven Perez’s 2020 conviction. Perez received illegally purchased weapons from an unlicensed firearms dealer in South Carolina, which were then transported to him in New York City. He was arrested, prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to prison in New York. Perez is now appealing his conviction, arguing that it infringes upon his Second Amendment rights.
The coalition’s brief contends that federal regulations on the transport of firearms across state lines are not only constitutional but also vital for public safety. These laws ensure that state gun regulations are effective and that law enforcement can investigate gun-related crimes thoroughly. For instance, 17 states, including New York, mandate licensed firearms dealers to maintain detailed records of their inventory and sales. Such measures assist law enforcement in tracing weapons used in crimes and keeping communities safe.
The attorneys general highlight that additional state regulations help prevent illegal access to firearms through theft, straw purchases, and unauthorized sales. By maintaining stringent checks on firearms dealers and their transactions, these regulations aim to mitigate gun violence and enhance public safety.
Joining Attorney General Henry in this effort are the attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
This collective move signifies a strong, united front among states to uphold and strengthen laws designed to curb gun violence and protect citizens. The outcome of U.S. v. Steven Perez could have significant implications for the future of gun regulation enforcement across the United States.
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