NYC could soon require graphic cautionary images in gun shops

New York City on Brink of Mandating Graphic Gun Safety Images in Gun Shops

The New York City Council is set to pass a landmark bill that would require gun shops across the city to display graphic images warning of the dangers of keeping firearms at home. The legislation, which has garnered widespread support from council members and city officials, aims to educate potential gun owners about the risks associated with owning a firearm.

According to proponents, these cautionary images will be similar to those found on cigarette packages in other countries, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun ownership. "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 bill.

The proposed images will depict the risks of suicide and accidental death associated with owning a firearm in the home. The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene would be responsible for designing and distributing these images, which could include gruesome and realistic depictions of gunshot wounds or family members being killed by a stray bullet.

Under the bill, gun shops that fail to display the required warning images will face fines of up to $10,000. The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene would also monitor compliance and post reminders on its website.

Proponents argue that this approach is effective in conveying the risks associated with owning a firearm, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young people and those struggling with mental health issues. "If you’re getting a message about public health, if it has an image attached to it, it’s more effective," Bottcher said.

The bill has received widespread support from council members, with at least 31 co-sponsors guaranteeing its passage. City Hall had previously expressed support for the legislation in April. However, some critics have raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing such a policy, particularly among smaller gun shops or those with limited resources.

Despite these concerns, New York has already established itself as a leader in firearm safety initiatives, ranking among the top states in terms of gun control laws and regulations. The passage of this bill would further solidify the city's commitment to reducing gun violence and promoting public health.

I'm still reeling from this news ... I mean, I get where they're coming from, but it's hard not to think about the potential consequences. Like, what kind of graphic images are we talking about here? Are they going to be super explicit or can they leave out the gruesome details? It's a fine line between educating people and traumatizing them.

I remember this one friend who lost a loved one to gun violence... I'm not even sure how they'd react if they saw something like that on display at a gun shop. My point is, it's not just about showing images – it's about the emotional impact you're expecting from these people. Can we really rely on them to make informed decisions when their emotions are running high?

I guess what I'm saying is, let's hope this bill passes and they get the right balance of education and sensitivity... or else it could backfire big time

I think it's a good idea to have those images up in gun shops . It could make people think twice before buying a gun, especially if they're not sure about handling them properly. I mean, we've seen what can happen when guns are left unsecured at home... it's just not worth the risk . I'm not sure how hard it'll be for smaller shops to comply, but maybe they can get some help from the city . And yeah, it's a step in the right direction for reducing gun violence and promoting public health

I'm low-key hyped about this ! The stats on NYC's gun deaths are already crazy - 2,400+ gunshot victims per year is just too much . If these graphic images can even deter one person from owning a gun, it's worth a shot . Did you know that states with stricter gun control laws have seen significant drops in firearm-related deaths? Like, the top 5 states for gun safety initiatives are all ahead of NYC, and they're already making progress .

We need more data on this - like, what's the actual effectiveness rate of these warning images? Have we ever studied the impact on young people or mental health individuals specifically? The current stats show that 70% of gun owners are men, which might make this a bigger issue for women who have to take care of guns at home . Anyway, kudos to the NYC Council for taking another bold step towards reducing gun violence and promoting public health .

I'm low-key surprised they're going for this, but at the same time, it makes total sense. I mean, those cigarette packets are a game-changer - who doesn't know that smoking is bad news? It's all about making gun ownership seem like the big deal it really is, especially for those who don't get it yet. I can see how this could be a major step forward in reducing gun violence in NYC... but, of course, there are gonna be some small shops that are gonna struggle with this

I'm low-key impressed with the idea of adding those graphic images to gun shops . I mean, think about it - if you're gonna own a gun, you should at least be aware of the risks . It's like when you see those cigarette warnings on packs in other countries, they get your attention . For real though, these images could make a difference, especially for young people or families with kids . It's not about demonizing gun owners, it's about educating folks and keeping communities safe . I'm all for this bill passing - it's a step in the right direction .

idk why ppl r so down on dis idea lol . im all 4 more ppl thinkin bout gun safety n all dat. its not 2 hard 2 understand, rite? u just gotta imagine showin up 2 a gun shop & seein a pic of someone lyin in a pool of blood cuz they cant handle thier firearm . its like buyin a pack of smokes - u gotta see the warnings 4 ur own good . i think its great dat nyc is leadin the way on dis one

I think its about time we put these images up there in all the gun shops around NYC ...its just common sense, you know? Think about how many people get themselves killed by guns at home every year...its gotta be something that can grab peoples attention. And yeah, I guess the images could be kinda gruesome but that's what they're supposed to be like right? Like, if a cigarette pack can show a nasty pic on the box, why not a gun shop? Its all about education and stuff...I mean, if you cant learn from a warning picture, then maybe you shouldnt be buying guns in the first place . And come on, its only $10k fine for not showing the pics...that's nothing compared to what people spend on guns anyway . Its about time NY stepped up and became a leader on this stuff

I'm like totally stoked about this new bill ! I mean, who doesn't want to know the risks associated with owning a firearm? It's like, they're basically putting up a warning label on cigarettes or something . But for real, if it helps prevent some accidents and suicides, that's a major win in my book. I'm not sure what the haters are worried about, though - can't gun shops afford to lose $10k? And I love how the city is like, taking initiative on this instead of just leaving it up to the individual shops. It's all about public health and safety, you know?

I think it's a good idea to put those graphic images up in gun shops . I mean, cigarettes have warning labels for a reason, right? It's just common sense that if you're gonna sell guns, people should know the risks involved. Accidental shootings and suicides are crazy tragic things that shouldn't happen . If it can help prevent some of those, then yeah, I'm all for it . But at the same time, I do worry about how they'll enforce this . Like, what if some smaller shops don't wanna put up the images? How will they make sure everyone's following the rules? Still, I guess that's a small price to pay for potentially saving lives .

I think its a good idea to have those images in gun shops . Its crazy how many people get hurt by guns unintentionally, like that one time when a kid left his gun lying around and shot himself . You can't always prevent accidents, but if we can raise awareness about the risks, maybe some people will think twice before owning a gun. Plus, its not just about gun owners, it's also about keeping families safe. I mean, imagine having to relive a tragedy like that all over again . I'm all for this bill passing and becoming law

This is about time. Those cigarette pack images have been around for decades, and they've proven effective. It's not like we're asking gun owners to give up their rights entirely. Just a little warning that owning a firearm comes with some serious risks . Can't say I'm surprised by the widespread support, but it's good to see some common sense being applied here .

I'm all for it ! It's about time we start treating guns like the deadly products they are. I mean, have you seen those cigarette packages in other countries? They're not just warning labels, they're public service announcements. And let's be real, gun violence is a national epidemic (not just NYC). If we can get people to take seriously that smoking is bad for their health, we should be able to make the same argument about guns. It's all about education and accountability . But I do think it's a bit rich that some folks are worried about enforcing this policy when they're the ones who want to make sure everyone else follows the rules. It's a slippery slope, folks . We need to be consistent in our approach to public health and safety. And let's not forget, this is just another example of NYC leading the way on gun control – it's time for the rest of the country to catch up !

OMG I just had the craziest dream last night I was a pro athlete and I scored a goal in the World Cup but then I woke up and it wasn't real I'm still trying to figure out how my life got so crazy anyway back to this gun safety thing... like, I get why people want to be safe and all but graphic images? isn't that kinda too much info? shouldn't they just post a warning on their website or something? and what's up with the $10k fine if they don't display the images? can't they just, like, pay it or something?

I gotta say, I'm all for increasing awareness about gun safety, but are these graphic images really necessary? I mean, can't we just trust people to make informed decisions when buying guns? And what about the potential impact on small gun shops that might not have the resources to display these images?

On the other hand, if it's going to reduce accidents and suicides, then I'm all for it. The numbers do say that gun ownership is a huge risk factor for both. But have we considered alternative ways to educate people? Like public service announcements or online resources? Might be more effective and less intrusive.

And what about the images themselves? Are they really going to make a difference, or are they just going to be another thing that's ignored or dismissed by potential gun owners? Still, I think it's a step in the right direction, even if it's not perfect.

I'm all for it . I mean, who doesn't want to be aware of the risks involved with owning a firearm? It's not like people aren't smart enough to make their own decisions, but maybe this is just one more layer of protection for those who might be vulnerable. Like, what if you're someone who's struggling with mental health issues and you get a new gun and then... . Yeah, that's exactly why we need these images up in our faces.

I do think it's weird that some people are worried about the practicality of this though . I mean, come on, it's not like they're asking to post selfies of gunshot wounds all over their storefronts . It's just a simple warning image with a serious message. And if gun shops can't handle showing one or two images, then maybe they shouldn't be selling guns in the first place .

I guess what I'm saying is that this is exactly why we need more education and awareness about firearm safety . We need to make sure everyone understands the risks involved before they even think about bringing a gun into their home. So yeah, bring on those graphic images!

i think its cool that nyc is tryin to be proactive about gun safety , like, we all know gun ownership comes with risks, but not everyone knows that until they're faced with it, right? so yeah, i guess having graphic images in gun shops could be a bit harsh, but if it gets people thinking twice before buying a gun, then its worth it, you feel? maybe some smaller gun shops might struggle to display the warnings, but nyc's all about helpin out those small businesses, right?

I gotta say, I'm all about seeing some serious visuals when it comes to owning a gun . Cigarette packs have been doing this for years, why not guns? It's like, you buy something that can kill someone, at least give 'em a heads up, right? The idea of these graphic images being similar to those on cigarette packages is genius . I mean, we already know the risks associated with gun ownership, but sometimes it takes seeing it in your face to get the message across . It's not like they're gonna be too gory or anything, just realistic enough to make a point. And let's be real, if you're thinking of getting a gun for protection, this is just common sense . The city's already doing some serious gun control stuff, so this bill feels like the next step .

man I feel like this is a step in the right direction we need more awareness about gun safety especially with all the crazy stuff that's been happening lately it's like, yeah you gotta have a warning label on guns or something...but at the same time I can see how they might struggle to enforce this and make sure everyone's complying with it still I think it's worth a shot...those images are gonna be super graphic tho maybe some people won't wanna buy guns after seeing those pics...it's like, the goal is to prevent gun violence right?

I think it's about time we start treating guns like tobacco - they're both deadly products that require some serious warning labels! Those graphic images on cigarette packs have clearly helped curb smoking rates, so why not apply the same principle to gun safety? It's crazy how many people get hurt or killed by these things without giving much thought to the consequences.