Historical reenactments in NY can once again use firearms
ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — Historical groups across the state are applauding a bill included in the state’s final budget allowing them to once again use firearms in reenactments, which became illegal once the state’s new concealed carry law went into effect last September.
And it came just in time. With a lot of military gun salutes and historical battle reenactments taking place on Memorial Day, it was unclear whether these activities were going to be cancelled.
But now, with the bill’s passage, there is finally clarity.
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The state’s new concealed carry law that passed last summer banned firearms in ‘sensitive spaces’ like public parks, where military gun salutes and historical reenactments are done.
After Sept. 1, when the law went into effect, many historical organizations across the state, including Fort Klock in Montgomery County, cancelled reenactments that featured firearms because doing so was technically against the law.
The president of Fort Klock, Les Bearclaw Stewart, told CBS6’s Briana Supardi he was thrilled to hear lawmakers included an exception in the final budget.
This is amazing," he said. "We can do so much over there. We can have a Memorial Day flag set up. We can do a salute when we raise the flag."
“I just called one of my members at the fort," he added. "He was so thrilled."
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Assemblyman John McDonald (D-Cohoes) said he wasn’t surprised that this bill was included in the final budget.
“This is something individuals on both sides of the aisle in both houses raised their concerns," he said. "We listened to the concerns of the public and we acted accordingly."
