In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen that New York’s concealed carry law was unconstitutional. The law required applicants for a concealed carry license to show “proper cause,” or a special need distinguishable from that of the general public. The Court held that this requirement was too restrictive and violated the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, New York passed a new concealed carry law, the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA). The CCIA still requires applicants for a concealed carry license to pass a background check and complete training, but it does not require them to show “proper cause.” However, the CCIA also imposes a number of restrictions on where concealed carry licensees can carry their firearms, including:

• Schools
• Government buildings
• Places of worship
• Healthcare facilities
• Public transportation
• Bars and restaurants
• Sports arenas and concert venues
• Times Square
• Central Park

Several lawsuits have been filed challenging the constitutionality of the CCIA. One of the most high-profile lawsuits is Antonyuk v. Nigrelli, which was filed by a group of gun rights advocates and businesses. The plaintiffs in Antonyuk argue that the CCIA’s restrictions on where concealed carry licensees can carry their firearms are unconstitutional and violate the Second Amendment.

The Antonyuk case is currently pending in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The Second Circuit is expected to issue a ruling in the case sometime in 2024. If the Second Circuit upholds the CCIA, the case is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

What does this mean for concealed carry in New York?

The legality of concealed carry in New York is currently in flux. The CCIA is in effect, but it is facing legal challenges. If the Second Circuit upholds the CCIA, concealed carry licensees will be limited to carrying their firearms in a relatively small number of places. However, if the Second Circuit strikes down the CCIA, concealed carry licensees will be able to carry their firearms in most places in New York.

FAQs

Q: What is the status of the Antonyuk case?

A: The Antonyuk case is currently pending in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The Second Circuit is expected to issue a ruling in the case sometime in 2024.

Q: What happens if the Second Circuit upholds the CCIA?

A: If the Second Circuit upholds the CCIA, concealed carry licensees will be limited to carrying their firearms in a relatively small number of places.

Q: What happens if the Second Circuit strikes down the CCIA?

A: If the Second Circuit strikes down the CCIA, concealed carry licensees will be able to carry their firearms in most places in New York.

Q: What are the implications of the Antonyuk case for other states?

A: The outcome of the Antonyuk case could have implications for other states with strict concealed carry laws. If the Second Circuit strikes down the CCIA, it could embolden gun rights advocates in other states to challenge their own state’s concealed carry laws.

Q: What should I do if I am a concealed carry licensee in New York?

A: If you are a concealed carry licensee in New York, you should be aware of the restrictions imposed by the CCIA. You should also be aware that the CCIA is facing legal challenges and that the legality of concealed carry in New York could change in the future.

Q: Where can I get more information about the Antonyuk case?

A: You can get more information about the Antonyuk case from the following sources:

• Second Circuit Court of Appeals website: https://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/
• Gun Owners of America website: https://www.gunowners.org/
• National Rifle Association website: https://www.nra.org/

Conclusion

The Antonyuk case is an important one for gun rights advocates in New York and across the country. The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on the legality of concealed carry in New York and other states with strict concealed carry laws.