Senate gun deal a positive first step, LI advocates say

Some gun control advocates on Long Island hailed the agreement on federal firearm restrictions announced by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators on Sunday, while adding that it fell short of certain long-sought goals.

The deal includes provisions for increased mental health programs, additional funding for school security and expanding background checks for gun buyers under the age of 21.

It stops short of banning assault weapons, instituting universal background checks and raising the minimum age of people who purchase semi-automatic weapons from 18 to 21, provisions advocates have lobbied for unsuccessfully for years. 

Nicolette Carrion, a 19-year old from Baldwin who helped lead the March for Our Lives Long Island demonstration on Saturday, said she was encouraged that there was bipartisan support for the reforms and added that they constituted a step in the right direction.

“That being said, it’s worth remembering the policies on the table are baby steps,” Carrion told Newsday. “I believe including universal background checks was the most important aspect that could have been added to this legislation. There is majority support across the country.”

The action in Washington comes after 19 children and two teachers were shot and killed in a Texas elementary school on May 24 and 10 people were shot and killed at a supermarket in Buffalo on May 14. In both cases, the accused gunman was 18 years old.

Democrats and Republicans have been locked in a prolonged battle over the question of gun control, with most Democrats, including President Joe Biden, looking for tougher restrictions on gun ownership.

Shenee Johnson, a volunteer from Suffolk County with the New York chapter of the grassroots group Moms Demand Action, called Sunday's tentative agreement a "monumental moment."

"This framework, if passed into law, will save lives, and represents a critical step forward for the nation after 26 years without any meaningful federal action on gun safety,” said Johnson, whose son, Kedrick, was shot and killed in 2010. “Now that senators have a road map in sight, it’s crucial that they take immediate action and advance this bipartisan deal.” 

One of the provisions of the tentative deal is resources for states who establish red-flag laws that would keep someone from owning a gun if they have been determined by a court to pose a threat to themselves or others.

New York State already has a red-flag law and the Legislature recently passed a series of reforms, including a requirement that anyone seeking to purchase a semi-automatic rifle must have a permit, be at least 21 years old, undergo a background check and complete a safety course. Another measure bans the sale of body armor and bulletproof vests to anyone outside law enforcement and certain other public service fields.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement she is "proud" New York is leading the effort on combating gun violence and keeping guns away from dangerous people.

"News of the Senate bipartisan gun safety agreement represents an important step toward progress on combating the gun violence epidemic nationwide," Hochul said. "This bipartisan agreement is a good start, and I urge our partners in Washington to follow our lead by advocating for even bolder and more substantive reforms. Lives depend on it."

On Sunday, Newsday contacted members of the congressional delegation who represent Long Island for comment on the bipartisan agreement.

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who is challenging Hochul in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, said "we must continue to push for bipartisan common-sense solutions."

"Of course, I want more to be done, but we must continue to seek common ground to get things done," he said in a statement.

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), who is running for the Republican nomination for governor, said in a statement that "The text of the legislation has not been released yet. Once it is, we will review it.”

In a tweet on Sunday night, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans) said he is “encouraged to see the recently announced bipartisan framework by the Senators. While I applaud all efforts to combat gun violence, there is still much more work to be done.” 

Democratic U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a statement called the announcement an “important step toward tackling the gun violence that plagues our communities, schools, hospitals and places of worship.” 

Spokespersons for Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City) and Andrew Garbarino (R- Bayport) did not respond to comment requests.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.