Look, I've been in this business long enough to know when the government is overstepping, and New York's latest move is a perfect example. The Firearms Policy Coalition just filed their reply brief in Heeter v. James, and they're taking on the state's ridiculous ban on body armor.
For those who don't know, New York criminalized the purchase of simple personal protective equipment - you know, the kind of stuff any responsible citizen might want to protect themselves and their family. It's absurd. The state's argument is that the Second Amendment only protects firearms, not defensive gear. But here's the thing - turn around in any direction in these New York courts and you'll see them arguing the complete opposite: that they CAN ban whole classes of common arms without constitutional protection. They can't have it both ways.
FPC President Brandon Combs nailed it when he said New York's desperate effort to criminalize body armor is "every bit as unconstitutional as a handgun ban." The right to keep and bear arms isn't just about the gun - it's about the ability to defend yourself. Period.
This case is being heard in Buffalo, and the briefing continues through the end of June. Two individual FPC members are joined as plaintiffs, represented by Nicolas J. Rotsko of Fluet.
As a shop owner, I see this as a bigger issue than just body armor. If they can ban this, what's next? Every piece of safety equipment we sell? This is exactly the kind of overreach that hurts law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to stop criminals. I'm glad FPC is fighting this battle - and I'm watching closely to see when New York gets told once and for all that they can't pick and choose which constitutional rights apply.