Appeals court keeps New York’s gun restrictions in place, including Times Square and subway ban
A federal appeals court has effectively upheld a state law in New York that bars firearms in “sensitive” locations including Times Square, the New York City subway system and commuter trains. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court judge’s 2023 ruling that allowed the state law to remain in effect after several gun owners filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of some restrictions. The gun owners appealed after they were denied a preliminary injunction that would have blocked the enforcement of provisions allowing authorities to declare Times Square a “Gun Free Zone,” ban open carry and require a special permit to carry guns in New York City. A lawyer for the plaintiffs said the decision was disappointing, but not unexpected.