THE FREE APPLE: Supremes Shoot Down NY Gun Law

The United States Supreme Court shot-down a century-old gun law in New York State Thursday, effectively allowing residents to carry firearms in public for the purpose of self-defense.

“In this case, petitioners and respondents agree that ordinary, law-abiding citizens have a similar right to carry handguns publicly for their self-defense. We too agree, and now hold, consistent with Heller and McDonald, that the Second and Fourteenth Amendments protect an individual’s right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in the Court’s opinion. “Because the State of New York issues public-carry licenses only when an applicant demonstrates a special need for self-defense, we conclude that the State’s licensing regime violates the Constitution.”

“Why isn’t it good enough to say I live in a violent area and I want to defend myself?” Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked during arguments.

“How is that consistent with the core right to self-defense?” Alito also asked.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.