California Attorney General Rob Bonta has aligned with 18 other attorneys general in supporting New York's restrictions on carrying firearms in public parks. This support was expressed through an amicus brief filed in the case of Christian v. James. The brief urges the Second Circuit to uphold a district court decision that deems New York’s prohibition on firearms in public parks as constitutional.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized, “It is commonsense that guns do not belong where our children and families are playing.” He further stated, “States have the responsibility for protecting their communities. Our citizens should not have to live in fear of gun violence.”
The brief argues that these restrictions are consistent with longstanding traditions of constitutionally acceptable regulations aimed at safeguarding residents from gun violence and intimidation. According to Bonta, "Under Bruen, the Supreme Court acknowledged that states have a right to enact reasonable restrictions to protect communities."
The attorneys general contend that location-based restrictions on firearms do not infringe upon the Second Amendment and allow states the necessary flexibility to maintain public safety.
In addition to California, the attorneys general from Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia are participating in this action.
A copy of the brief is available for review.