Posted on 07/10/2022 5:02:13 AM PDT by Mr. Mojo
As missed warning signs pile up in investigations of mass killings, New York state is rolling out a novel strategy to screen applicants for gun permits. People seeking to carry concealed handguns will be required to hand over their social media accounts for a review of their “character and conduct.”
It’s an approach applauded by many Democrats and national gun control advocacy groups, but some experts have raised questions about how the law will be enforced and address free speech concerns.
Some of the local officials who will be tasked with reviewing the social media content also are asking whether they’ll have the resources and, in some cases, whether the law is even constitutional.
The new requirement, which takes effect in September, was included in a law passed last week that sought to preserve some limits on firearms after the Supreme Court ruled that most people have a right to carry a handgun for personal protection. It was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, who noted shooters sometimes telegraph their intent to hurt others.
Under the law, applicants have to provide local officials with a list of current and former social media accounts from the previous three years. It will be up to local sheriff’s staff, judges or country clerks to scroll through those profiles as they check whether applicants have made statements suggesting dangerous behavior.
The law also will require applicants to undergo hours of safety training, prove they’re proficient at shooting, provide four character references and sit for in-person interviews.
(Excerpt) Read more at al.com ...
What if an applicant isn’t on social media? Would he might be considered a social outcast and thus denied a permit? Or let’s say one is on some relatively minor social media site or member of a political or firearms forum under an anonymous username and decides not to mention that fact? Would the jackboots be able to discover it on their own?
Sounds like a good idea…
But what perp is going to share their real social media account where they discuss their plans to shoot up a school?
Character references are sufficient. That is common for so many things. I needed 3 for my Professional License. It is up to the people to report “crazy stuff”...and not for the government to “search” for crazy stuff. You need “cause” to search.
The Buffalo shooter was a known wolf.
Didn’t stop him, did it?
This law isn’t about protecting citizens.
It’s about restricting the 2A.
Orwell was prescient.
There have been lawsuits filed already saying that this is unconstitutional. Who “interprets” if you are a “danger” to society with these lunatics? I certainly don’t want Kathy Hochul to “read anything into” my thoughts on Demoncrat rule in Gnu Yak and the #JihadJunta’s coup to seize power in the United States of America.
What part of this qualifies as “shall issue” over “may issue”?
I don’t have social media. What if I were to apply?
Right-wing extremists, AKA normal people, need not apply.
$18.2 Million Congressional Slush Fund for #MeToo Claims
Is Free Republic considered social medjia? How about DU?
Who has time to wade through years of social media posts for each permit applicant?
Who will be willing to take the risk of approving a permit under such a system?
Some will think since they are using a pen name, or avatar, they don’t necessarily have to claim that as their account. I would guess that the majority of social media users will do so under numerous assumed names. So far that’s still legal and very logical.
Good question.
I’m surprised that Kathy Hochul isn’t ridden out of town on a rail.
She should be.
This is not about making NY safer. It’s about adding more obstacles for law abiding citizens. Criminals will get their guns like they get their drugs, illegally. Hochul is a power mad lunatic. If she wanted to make NY safer, she would end the no bail, early release and actually start advocating for law enforcement. She should also end sanctuary practices and protecting criminals.
Who gets to decide what will and will not pass muster for the issuance of the (unconstitutional) permit?
Avoid getting a permit and then after arrest, win the case in court
1)NonofyourFingBusiness.com,
2)Screwyou.org and
3)Mysocialmediaaccountsisprivate.com
“...shall not be infringed.”
The second amendment should be the only permit you need. I surely wouldn’t go into some neighborhoods in NYC unarmed, and I surely would not seek the state’s permission to do so.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.