Oct. 12, 2012 By Christian Murray
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer is calling for stricter gun control laws following two recent shootings that occurred in the Queensbridge Houses, which is part of his district.
Van Bramer plans to introduce five resolutions before the New York City council that support gun-control legislation that was introduced in the state senate by Mike Gianaris in August. Gianaris represents Sunnyside, Woodside and surrounding areas.
Most resolutions are unenforceable. However, they are a mechanism for city council members to express their views on public policy issues and support bills like Gianaris’.
Van Bramer’s resolution, based on Gianaris’ legislation, calls for:
- A 10 day waiting period for all firearm purchases
- Limit gun purchases to one per month to curtail gun trafficking
- Force every gun purchaser to take a safety course
- Limit ammunition sales to locations that also sell firearms
- Close loopholes as well as require background checks for all purchases of firearms, including private sales.
Van Bramer said the first shooting within the Queensbridge House complex occurred at the end of Sept. when a 15-year-old girl, who lived in the complex, was hit by a stray bullet that came through her apartment window while she was doing her homework. The second occurred on Oct. 3 when a woman was shot in the leg.
“The violence must end,” Van Bramer said in a statement.
Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan said that she is a strong supporter of Mike Gianaris’ bill and Van Bramer’s resolutions. She said she has been working for similar restrictions in the assembly for years. She said these bills often get stuck in the state senate.
Gianaris said recently that the rash of gun violence makes clear that it is time to toughen gun laws. “It is long past time to improve our gun laws and New York should lead the way,” Gianaris said.
Queensbridge Houses is the largest public housing development in North America. It is a 3,142-unit complex located in Long Island City.
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