Does New York State Need More Gun Laws? Siena Poll Results Says ‘Yes’

The topic of gun control is a very sensitive subject in New York State and has been for as long as I can remember but the tragic massive shooting on May 24 at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas where a teenage gunman shot and killed nineteen students and two teachers and wounded seventeen other people has really brightened that spotlight on this controversial subject.

It would seem that in New York State most residents are fed up with gun violence and want it to stop according to a new Siena College poll that focused on the subject of gun control. Results of the poll revealed that almost 8 out of 10 (76%) polled approve of Governor Kathy Hochul's new rules regarding acquiring semi-automatic rifles and would like the New York State Supreme Court to uphold the current licensing of concealed handguns (79%).

Under the new gun control law, a person must be at least 21 and have a permit to possess a semi-automatic rifle. In addition, someone purchasing one of these guns must undergo a background check and take a safety course on operating the rifle.

When it asked about who should be allowed to wear body armor, those polled were less in agreeance with 58% having the opinion that armored vests should be outlawed and that only law enforcement should be allowed to wear that protective clothing.

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This recent polled also showed that most New Yorkers feel that New York State has a serious issue with crime (92%) and 65% of respondents say that crime in their own community is a serious issue. When it comes to feeling safe, six in ten people polled don't feel safe and believe they could become a victim of a crime.

To get the full results from this Siena College poll which also includes how New Yorkers feel about abortion rights, click here.