GOA & GOF, On Behalf of Carl Higbie, Filed Reply Brief in NY Court to Expand Victory from NYC to Statewide Access for Nonresident Concealed Carry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2025
Washington, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), on behalf of Carl Higbie and two other plaintiffs, have filed an Opposition to New York’s Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment in the Northern District of New York, responding to the state’s defense of restrictive concealed carry permit laws. Our work here aims to expand the victory previously won when New York City began to allow nonresidents to apply for permits to the entire state of New York, removing the current barriers that confine nonresident concealed carry access to just New York City.
This legal action is part of our ongoing commitment to dismantle unconstitutional gun laws that restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens across the country. We argue that New York’s current laws violate the Second and Fourteenth Amendments by imposing unconstitutional restrictions on nonresidents seeking to carry concealed firearms in public for self-defense.
The state’s Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment focused on saying first, that New York does not prohibit nonresident permit applications, and second, defending local regulations that limit nonresidents’ ability to apply for permits to carry firearms in the state. We countered with a powerful response, reaffirming that New York’s restrictive policies infringe upon the fundamental right to self-defense and are out of step with state and federal law and the rest of the country.
Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:
“Our rights, protected by the Constitution, aren’t up for debate—period. We are not backing down in our fight against New York’s unconstitutional policies. GOA and GOF will continue to fight to ensure that the Second Amendment rights of all Americans, including nonresidents, are upheld. We will not rest until every law-abiding citizen is free to exercise their constitutional right to carry a firearm for self-defense, wherever they are.”
Sam Paredes, on behalf of Gun Owners Foundation, added:
“New York’s gun laws are not just restrictive—they are outright unconstitutional. GOA and GOF are committed to ensuring that every American, regardless of where they live, has the right to carry a firearm for self-defense. We are confident that the court will rule in favor of expanding this important victory from New York City to the entire state, ensuring that the law-abiding public’s rights are protected.”
GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.
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