(WNY News Now) – New York Attorney General Letitia James joins a coalition of 25 Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold a federal law that prevents individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from obtaining firearms.
Albany – New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken a stand to safeguard a crucial federal law preventing individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from obtaining firearms. James, alongside a coalition of 25 Attorneys General, filed an amicus brief urging the United States Supreme Court to uphold this law in the case of United States v. Rahimi. This move aims to protect survivors of domestic abuse from potential harm.
The case revolves around Zackey Rahimi, who, while under a domestic violence restraining order for assaulting his girlfriend, was prohibited from possessing firearms. Subsequently, Rahimi was involved in multiple shootings and indicted for firearm possession while under the restraining order. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit controversially held that disarming individuals under domestic violence protection orders violates the Second Amendment.
Attorney General James and the coalition contend that overturning the existing federal law could endanger survivors of domestic abuse, emphasizing that studies show a fivefold increase in the likelihood of intimate partner murder when firearms are present in a household. Firearms are the leading cause of such homicides, particularly affecting women.
In addition to the federal law, 46 states, the District of Columbia, and several territories have laws restricting firearm access for those under domestic violence restraining orders. The coalition underscores the unique danger posed by abusers and warns that the lower court’s decision could undermine existing laws, compromising Americans’ safety.
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