Court upholds New York’s ammunition background check law

May 6, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor
A New York court (the U.S. District Court for the Western District in Buffalo, seen here) has upheld the state's law requiring background checks for ammunition sales, a decision praised by Attorney General Letitia James as crucial for enhancing public safety and reducing gun violence. Photo: Fortunate4Now/Wikimedia
Share this:

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York has denied a preliminary injunction against the state’s law requiring background checks for ammunition sales. The decision counters a challenge led by the New York State Firearms Association.

New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed her approval of the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of stringent gun safety laws aimed at reducing gun violence. 

“Our gun safety laws are meant to protect New Yorkers and help the residents of this state live free from gun violence,” Attorney General James said. “Part of these commonsense laws is a strong background check provision for purchasing ammunition, and this court decision will help keep that effort in place. My office will continue to fiercely defend New York’s gun laws because we know that every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their home and community.”

Subscribe to our newsletters

The law in question is part of New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), enacted in 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which mandates that individuals must pass a background check when purchasing ammunition. 

The lawsuit challenging this requirement was filed in September 2023 by the New York State Firearms Association and four individuals. The court found that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits, allowing the law to remain active throughout the ongoing litigation.


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment