Former President Donald Trump. Credit: Getty Images.
Authorities in New York are moving to revoke former President Donald Trump’s gun license in the wake of his recent criminal conviction. According to reports from several US media outlets, including CNN, the New York Times, and ABC News.
Report revealed that unnamed officials within the New York City Police Department (NYPD) have indicated that an ongoing investigation will likely result in Trump being banned from owning firearms.
Under both New York state law and federal law, individuals convicted of felonies are prohibited from possessing firearms. As of now, the NYPD has not publicly confirmed its intention to revoke Trump’s gun license. The BBC has reached out to the department for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Trump recently made history as the first former president to be criminally convicted. A Manhattan jury found him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records, charges that stem from allegations that he attempted to cover up a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. The payment was purportedly made to silence Daniels regarding an alleged sexual encounter between her and Trump.
Despite the conviction, Trump, who has consistently denied both the alleged sexual encounter and any wrongdoing, has decried the verdict as a “disgrace” and has indicated plans to appeal. The 77-year-old former president is scheduled for sentencing on July 11, just days before he is expected to be officially nominated as the Republican candidate for the upcoming presidential election in November.
Sources within the NYPD told the New York Times that Trump surrendered two firearms after he was charged in April of the previous year, at which point his gun license was suspended. A third firearm was reportedly transferred to Florida, although it remains unclear whether it is still in his possession.
Trump has long been a vocal advocate for gun rights and has frequently participated in events organized by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the most prominent gun lobby in the United States. The NRA has consistently endorsed Trump in his political campaigns. In February, speaking at an NRA event, Trump described himself as “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House.”
The potential revocation of Trump’s gun license comes amid ongoing legal battles and political challenges. The case against him involves allegations that he falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Daniels. Prosecutors argued that this payment, made by Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen, was intended to prevent negative publicity during the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. Cohen testified that Trump directed him to make the payment, which was later reimbursed through the Trump Organization under the guise of legal expenses.
The case has been a significant point of contention in the broader political landscape. Trump’s supporters view the charges as politically motivated, while his critics argue that no individual, including a former president, is above the law. The legal proceedings have added to the already polarized environment surrounding Trump’s potential return to the political arena.
The implications of Trump’s conviction extend beyond his ability to own firearms. A felony conviction could impact his eligibility to run for or hold public office, although legal experts are divided on the specifics of how this might play out. Trump’s legal team has indicated that they will pursue all available avenues to overturn the conviction and clear his name.
Meanwhile, the debate over gun control continues to be a highly contentious issue in the United States. Trump’s potential loss of his gun license highlights the broader legal restrictions placed on convicted felons regarding firearm ownership. It also stresses the ongoing discussions about the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety concerns.
As Trump navigates the legal and political ramifications of his conviction, the move by New York authorities to revoke his gun license serves as another significant development in the unfolding narrative. The former president’s response to this and other legal challenges will likely play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of his political career.
The outcome of Trump’s appeal and the subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched, as they could have far-reaching consequences not only for him personally but also for the broader political and legal landscape in the United States.
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