Hundreds od Local Gun Owners Join Rally in Albany
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: March 1, 2013
Thousands of gun owners descended onto the New York State Capitol
Thursday afternoon to tell Governor Cuomo they are angry over New York's strict new gun laws.
The laws include banning certain assault weapons, limit the number of magazines, and require extra background checks.
Hundreds from Rochester and across Western New York joined in.
Chants to repeal the NY Safe act echo throughout Albany, as thousands traveled from across New York, to urge legislators and the Governor to protect their rights.
Before the break of dawn, hundreds packed buses.
"We are not crazy people, we are not going out there with weapons to the Assembly. We are just asking for a peaceful talk, just listen to our view," said Bruce Calkins.
Bruce Calkins, armed with just a sign, wants lawmakers to know the New York SAFE Act doesn't protect lives.
"If we continue to have enough people say guns don't cause crimes, people behind the guns do," said Calkins.
The more than 250 people from Monroe County hope lawmaker hear their cries.
"To do something on Friday night we need to have an open discussion and discuss what is really the problems," said Jim Ledsome, from Pittsford, who wanted to bring his teenage son to the rally.
"We need to make many amendments here and by this rolls showing up and saying their second amendment rights are being violated," said Assemblyman Bill Reilich, (R) Greece.
Assemblyman Bill Reilich voted against the SAFE Act, but some of his Rochester colleagues didn't.
That's who these gun owners are trying to reach.
"If they wipe out the second amendment in just new York or county, other amendments are not far behind" said Ken Mathison, Monroe County Shooters Committee On Political Education.
Even some former police officers, like retired Rochester Police Captain Paul Chechak are lobbying.
"I woke up on January 15, a felon, and I am not happy with that," said Ret. Capt. Paul Chechak, who said he owns one of the outlawed guns from his time working with the Rochester Police Department.
There is talk to add an amendment for current and retired officers.
But he wants more.
"I would like to see the entire thing repealed and then start over," said Chechak.
And so do thousands of others.
Governor Cuomo wasn't in Albany on Thursday, but these gun owners say this rally didn't end here.
They said they'll continue to reach out to legislators and wage war in the courts.
Several lawsuits have already been filed.
Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle said a repeal isn't likely to happen. But he says amendments are definitely likely. He said it will take court action to prove the law unconstitutional.
The laws include banning certain assault weapons, limit the number of magazines, and require extra background checks.
Hundreds from Rochester and across Western New York joined in.
Chants to repeal the NY Safe act echo throughout Albany, as thousands traveled from across New York, to urge legislators and the Governor to protect their rights.
Before the break of dawn, hundreds packed buses.
"We are not crazy people, we are not going out there with weapons to the Assembly. We are just asking for a peaceful talk, just listen to our view," said Bruce Calkins.
Bruce Calkins, armed with just a sign, wants lawmakers to know the New York SAFE Act doesn't protect lives.
"If we continue to have enough people say guns don't cause crimes, people behind the guns do," said Calkins.
The more than 250 people from Monroe County hope lawmaker hear their cries.
"To do something on Friday night we need to have an open discussion and discuss what is really the problems," said Jim Ledsome, from Pittsford, who wanted to bring his teenage son to the rally.
"We need to make many amendments here and by this rolls showing up and saying their second amendment rights are being violated," said Assemblyman Bill Reilich, (R) Greece.
Assemblyman Bill Reilich voted against the SAFE Act, but some of his Rochester colleagues didn't.
That's who these gun owners are trying to reach.
"If they wipe out the second amendment in just new York or county, other amendments are not far behind" said Ken Mathison, Monroe County Shooters Committee On Political Education.
Even some former police officers, like retired Rochester Police Captain Paul Chechak are lobbying.
"I woke up on January 15, a felon, and I am not happy with that," said Ret. Capt. Paul Chechak, who said he owns one of the outlawed guns from his time working with the Rochester Police Department.
There is talk to add an amendment for current and retired officers.
But he wants more.
"I would like to see the entire thing repealed and then start over," said Chechak.
And so do thousands of others.
Governor Cuomo wasn't in Albany on Thursday, but these gun owners say this rally didn't end here.
They said they'll continue to reach out to legislators and wage war in the courts.
Several lawsuits have already been filed.
Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle said a repeal isn't likely to happen. But he says amendments are definitely likely. He said it will take court action to prove the law unconstitutional.
Readers Feel...
hello
