NYSRPA: Strict Gun Penalties For All!

Just about a week ago Mayor Mike Bloomberg held a press conference to announce a new public service campaign alerting City residents to the new rules when it comes to illegal guns.

“Last year, our Administration succeeded in pushing through a law that gives New York the toughest penalty in the country for carrying an illegal loaded handgun,” said Bloomberg at the press conference (full release [here]). “Now, if you are convicted, you will serve a minimum of 3½ years behind bars – no exceptions.

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Given the recent [hip-hop related unrest] involving rappers Ja Rule and Lil' Wayne, both of whom were arrested in separate incidents on Sunday while possessing illegal guns, the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) is demanding that Bloomberg follow through on his law and ensure that the rappers are held to the strictest reading of Bloomberg's own law, which NYSRPA opposed in the first place.

“The question now is whether the Mayor will follow through on his own tough talk when celebrity lawbreakers are involved. In the past, celebrities have sometimes received preferential treatment where firearms are involved. Will they get a free pass in two recent cases as well,” said a NYSRPA statement. “The NYSRPA is sure the law would be rigorously enforced if an average citizen concerned about his or her safety were arrested on this charge. What will happen when well-known recording artists are involved?”

I guess we'll see. Could be that Ja and Wayne are headed away for quite some time.