The National Rifle Association isĀ suing New York for closing gun storesĀ as part of a statewide stay at home order, which forced all non-essential businesses to close.
IN the suit, the NRA accused New York GovernorĀ Andrew CuomoĀ of "effectively and indefinitely suspended a key component of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution" by forcing gun stores across the state to shut down during the globalĀ coronavirusĀ pandemic.
"By closing federally licensed dealers, Defendants have cut off the only way of legally purchasing firearms in the State,"Ā the lawsuit says. "As a result of the government's overreach, most New Yorkers have no legal way to exercise the constitutional right to purchase arms or ammunition."
The lawsuit comes after the federal government issued an advisory that declared firearm and ammunition retailers were an "essential service." The advisory is not binding, and states are free to determine which businesses are allowed to remain open during the lockdowns.
CuomoĀ brushed off the lawsuitĀ during a press conference on Saturday (April 4).
"I think I've been sued by the NRA, must be a dozen times. I didn't even know I was sued this time. You become sort of lawsuit immune. I wish I could become immune to this virus the way I've become immune to NRA lawsuits," he said.
To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr.Ā Sanjay Gupta.
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