Gabby unit backs Andy anti-gun bid

ALBANY — An anti-gun violence group founded by former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords backed Gov. Cuomo’s call Thursday to take away all firearms from anyone charged with domestic violence.

“Firearms are far too frequently used to injure, threaten, or coerce victims of domestic violence,” said Nico Bocour, state legislative director of the organization, Giffords.

Like Cuomo, Bocour noted that in nine of the 10 deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, including recent ones in Las Vegas and Texas, the shooter had a record of attacking, threatening violence or harassing women.

“The mere presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely the woman will die — that’s why it's critical to have mechanisms in place to ensure that domestic abusers can no longer access them,” Bocour said.

Giffords was an Arizona congresswoman when she was shot at a public event in January, 2011. She officially retired from Congress a year later.

She and her husband, NASA astronaut Mark Kelly have become outspoken advocates for gun control measures.

Cuomo on Wednesday said he would propose a bill as part of his Jan. 3 State of the State address that would require the immediate removal of all firearms when someone is hit with a domestic violence charge.

Under current law, a person convicted on a felony domestic violence charge must surrender their guns. But misdemeanor convictions are not covered.

The proposal would also for the first time require that all firearms, including rifles and shotguns, be surrendered to law enforcement when a judicial order of protection is issued or a gun license is suspended or revoked due to a felony or “serious” offense charge or conviction.

Right now, that is at the discretion of the judges and lasts until the case is resolved.

Bocour praised Cuomo for pushing the measure and called on the Legislature to swiftly pass it.