Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Supreme Court Declines To Rule On Pivotal Gun Rights Case That Began In NYC
By
David Cruz
Published Apr 27, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Aizuddin Saad / Shutterstock
By
David Cruz
Published Apr 27, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The U.S. Supreme Court has dismissed a legal challenge to a restrictive NYC gun law after city and state officials ultimately softened its regulation on transporting guns, midway through the nearly two-year legal battle.
The court's 6-3 decision to decline a ruling, with newly installed conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh joining the liberal minority, now ultimately kills the chance of having this case expand gun rights to other states. Supporters had expected the conservative majority would usher in a halcyon period for gun owners.
“Petitioners’ claim for declaratory and injunctive relief with respect to the City’s old rule is therefore moot,” read the opinion of the majority justices.
The case was heard last December after the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, and others, spent a year challenging the city’s policy of restricting the transport of firearms from the weapon's registered address to any authorized gun ranges or shooting clubs outside city limits. The regulation barred gun enthusiasts living in the five boroughs from participating in gun shows in upstate New York or taking them out of state, a violation of the Second Amendment, according to the association.
The city's lawyers argued otherwise, telling the Justices that the regulation was merely intended to protect New Yorkers from harm. Even so, the city subsequently repealed the restriction, easing conceal and carry laws for legal gun owners beyond city limits.
After the city eased up on its gun transport guidelines, the State Legislature passed measures allowing for easy transport of guns so long as they’re unloaded and safely locked.
Once the city amended its policy, with New York State following suit, the justices concluded there was nothing else to discuss.
In his dissenting opinion, Justice Samuel Alito countered the decision is not moot. “By incorrectly dismissing this case as moot, the Court permits our docket to be manipulated in a way that should not be countenanced,” wrote Alito.
The decision by New York City does not change its status as one of the hardest cities in the country to obtain a legal handgun. The process of purchasing and registering a firearm in the city takes upwards of a year and several background checks.
Tagged
supreme court
gun rights
David Cruz
David is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
Published Oct 20, 2026 at 10:01 p.m. ET
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
News
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
16 arrested in New York auto insurance fraud crackdown involving nearly $500K
By
Giulia Heyward
Coney Island's small, 1890s lighthouse may be landmarked by the city
By
Catalina Gonella
New renderings are out for Queens' Metropolitan Park casino
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .