Cuomo signs law extending wait time for gun purchases

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Monday signed a law that extends the waiting period for certain gun purchases.

The legislation bumps up the current three-day wait period to up to 30 days for individuals who aren’t immediately approved to buy a firearm, Cuomo’s office said in a statement. 

“For too long gun violence has plagued communities across our nation and while the federal government turns a blind eye, New York continues leading the way forward to protect our families and our children,” Cuomo said in a statement. “By signing these measures into law we are strengthening our nation-leading gun laws – banning devices whose sole purpose is to create the most bloodshed in the shortest timeframe and providing law enforcement the tools they need to stop firearms from falling into dangerous hands.”{mosads}

Under current federal law, people looking to purchase a gun who aren’t immediately approved after a background check are subject to a three-day waiting period.

Cuomo also signed a bill that bans the possession, manufacturing and sale of bump stocks and other similar devices, a measure which comes after a federal bump stock ban took effect in March.

Cuomo in February signed the Red Flag Bill, which prevents people who appear to be a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Cuomo’s signature comes after a gunman opened fire at a Gilroy, Calif., garlic festival on Sunday and killed three people. On Tuesday morning, at least two people were killed in a shooting at a Mississippi Walmart.