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NYC could soon require graphic cautionary images in gun shops
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 29, 2025
Modified Oct 29, 2025
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Daniel Perron / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 29, 2025
Modified Oct 29, 2025
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Graphic images warning of the dangers of keeping a firearm at home could soon appear in gun shops across New York City, similar to the cautionary imagery printed on cigarette packages in other countries.
The New York City Council is poised to pass the legislation on Wednesday.
A recent Gothamist analysis shows this year’s dip in shootings follows a broader downward trend since the pandemic. Still, high-profile incidents continue to spark unease among residents and city lawmakers are still grappling with a Supreme Court decision that forced the city and state to allow people to carry concealed, licensed firearms in certain areas of New York.
State law already requires a written warning to be issued with any permit or license for a firearm, stating that having a gun in the home increases the risk of suicide and accidental death. But under the bill, people authorized to own a firearm, rifle or shotgun would also receive a graphic image depicting those risks.
“I can’t think of a deadlier consumer product that has no warning for consumers at the point of purchase," said City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who introduced the legislation. "Guns kill tens of thousands of people every year and a gun in the home is so much more likely to kill someone in that home rather than to be used as self-defense."
The city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene would be responsible for designing the images, posting them online and fining anyone who doesn’t display them properly: $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for a second within 12 months.
Bottcher said he’s confident the approach will be effective.
“If you’re getting a message about public health, if it has an image attached to it, it’s more effective. It makes more of an impact,” he said.
At least 31 councilmembers have signed on as co-sponsors, guaranteeing the bill's passage.
City Hall previously expressed support for the legislation in April.
“Regarding the legislation, the Administration is supportive of the Council’s efforts,” the city police department and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said in written testimony submitted to a committee on April 17.
The agencies also said they looked forward to discussing “some technical aspects of the legislation” once implemented.
New York already has some of the strongest gun laws in the country and has led several firearm safety initiatives, according to rankings from Everytown for Gun Safety, a national gun control advocacy group.
This story has been updated with comment from City Hall.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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