New York, NY — The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is gravely concerned about today’s Supreme Court decision to strike down New York’s concealed carry law, ruling that the regulation violates the Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms.” The law required applicants to demonstrate a “proper cause” for needing a concealed carry permit.

This decision comes the same week that Congress is expected to pass the first gun violence prevention package in more than two decades. The U.S. has already had average of more than one mass shooting every day in 2022. Studies show that states without meaningful restrictions have higher rates of violent crime and gun homicides. More guns in public—through concealed or open carry—can also escalate violence and lead to greater confusion for law enforcement responding to shootings.

“America is suffering from a severe gun violence epidemic. Yet the Supreme Court has undermined public safety even as Congress is taking a first positive step toward violence reduction,” said Melanie Roth Gorelick, Senior Vice President of JCPA. “Today’s ruling is particularly dangerous at a time when gun homicides and mass shootings are on the rise around the nation.”

An overwhelming majority of Americans support commonsense gun violence prevention measures. We urge Congress to pass additional measures beyond the “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” to help disrupt the cycle of violence in our communities rather than exacerbate it.

Share

Next Up:

JCPA BLOG: Reflections on Dinner with NAACP Executive Committee and JCPA Leaders: Tackling Racism, Antisemitism, and Voting Rights Together

Take Action Donate

August 26, 2025

JCPA Urges DHS to Waive Confusing and Concerning Language for Nonprofit Security Grant Program

August 25, 2025

The New York Times: In Trump’s Second Term, Far-Right Agenda Enters the Mainstream

August 20, 2025

Communications Intern

August 19, 2025

High Holy Days 5786

August 15, 2025

The Torah of Community Relations

August 13, 2025

High Holy Days 5786

August 13, 2025

Federalizing the DC Police: Manufactured Crises and the Erosion of Democratic Protections

August 8, 2025

Eight Years Since ‘Unite the Right’ Violence in Charlottesville: A Call to Confront the Normalization of Hate

August 5, 2025

JCPA: 2024 Hate Crimes Data Underscores Crisis of Hate and Extremism

July 28, 2025

Jewish Council for Public Affairs Welcomes FY2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)