PBA President reacts to flawed NYS assault weapon bill

PBA president Patrick J. Lynch said:

“While it is clearly in the best interest of NYC police officers and the general public to keep assault weapons out of wrong hands, there is a serious flaw in this law that runs counter to the safety interests of the public and police officers.  It is our belief that the failure to include a law enforcement exemption was an unintentional oversight brought on by the urgent need to take action in light of the Sandy Hook tragedy.  Experience has shown that the presence in our communities of seasoned, trained and properly armed police officers — both active and retired — is the surest way to keep our streets safe.  Law enforcement officers should be made exempt from the provisions of this law.  The NYC PBA is actively working with elected officials in order to add an appropriate exemption to this law.”