ALBANY, N.Y.—Governor Kathy Hochul called for a national assault weapons ban in a statement issued on July 29, 2025, following a tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan that killed four people, including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a 3½-year veteran. The officer, survived by his pregnant wife and two young sons, was among the victims of an attack carried out with an AR-15–style rifle, a weapon Hochul described as a “weapon of war” commonly used in mass shootings. While highlighting New York’s robust gun control measures—including a state ban on assault weapons, strengthened Red Flag Laws, and closed loopholes—Hochul emphasized that these protections are undermined by weaker regulations in other states, allowing such firearms to cross into New York. She urged Congress to confront the gun lobby and pass federal legislation to ban assault weapons, stressing that “thoughts and prayers” are insufficient and that immediate action is critical to prevent further loss of life.
Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul
“Yesterday, New York lost four innocent lives in a horrific act of violence. Among them was NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a 3 1/2-year veteran who leaves behind a wife eight months pregnant and two young sons. My heart is with his loved ones, his NYPD family and every victim of this tragedy.
“The killer used an AR-15–style assault rifle. The same weapon of war used in mass shootings across America.
“New York has some of the strongest gun laws in the nation. We banned assault weapons. We strengthened our Red Flag Law. We closed dangerous loopholes. But our laws only go so far when an AR-15 can be obtained in a state with weak gun laws and brought into New York to commit mass murder.
“The time to act is now. The American people are tired of thoughts and prayers. They deserve action. Congress must summon the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and finally pass a national assault weapons ban before more innocent lives are stolen.”
July 29, 2025
Albany, NY
Sources: Governor.NY.gov , Big Bew York news BigNY.com
