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.