NYC could soon require graphic cautionary images in gun shops

Graphic images warning of the dangers associated with keeping firearms at home are set to appear in gun shops across New York City, mirroring the cautionary labels found on cigarette packages worldwide.

The move comes as the city council is poised to pass legislation that requires such images to be displayed prominently in gun stores, a measure seen as a bid to reduce gun-related deaths and accidents. The law, which has garnered significant support from lawmakers, would also mandate that those authorized to own firearms receive graphic warnings about the risks associated with keeping them at home.

The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene would be responsible for designing and disseminating these images, which would carry penalties for failure to comply. "I can't think of a deadlier consumer product that has no warning for consumers at the point of purchase," said City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who introduced the legislation.

Bottcher argues that guns are far more deadly than other products with clear warnings, citing statistics on gun-related deaths and accidents. He believes that displaying graphic images will be an effective way to convey these risks and prevent unnecessary harm.

This legislation is part of a broader trend in New York City's efforts to reduce gun violence. The city already boasts some of the strongest gun laws in the country, and has led several initiatives aimed at promoting firearm safety.

The push for stricter gun regulations comes as the city grapples with ongoing concerns about gun-related incidents. While recent data suggests a decline in shootings, high-profile incidents continue to raise fears among residents.

As the city moves forward with this new legislation, advocates and lawmakers alike hope it will contribute to a more significant shift towards reducing gun violence and promoting public safety.

I think its gonna make a big difference having those graphic images up in stores... ppl might get really scared when they see them and think twice about buying a gun. Its crazy how guns are considered a consumer product, I mean they can literally kill u . Bottcher's right that we need more warnings, especially for people who dont know much about firearms. Im just hoping it leads to less accidental shootings and stuff...

I'm so stoked about this! Those graphic images are gonna be super eye-opening for people who don't think twice about owning guns at home. I mean, we're already talking about one of the deadliest consumer products out there with no warning labels - it's crazy! The city council is doing a great job trying to crack down on gun violence and keep our residents safe.

I've got a friend whose brother was in a shootout a few years back, and let me tell you, the trauma lingers. It's not just about the laws, though that's a big part of it - it's also about changing attitudes and making people think twice before handling those guns.

The city's already doing some awesome work on this front, but I think having these images in gun shops will really drive home the risks. And honestly, if it saves one life or prevents one accident, it's all worth it . The Department of Health should get a pat on the back for designing those images - they're gonna be super effective at conveying the dangers of keeping guns at home.

I'm not anti-gun ownership by any stretch, but we gotta be real about the risks involved. These new laws are just another step towards making our city safer and more responsible

its crazy that its still 2025 and we're still dealing with graphic warnings on guns like whats next? i mean dont get me wrong, reducing gun violence is super important but shouldnt this be a conversation about education and training instead of just slap happy regulations?

i think what bothers me most is how were we even at this point? isnt it time for us to rethink our approach to gun ownership and safety? maybe its time to invest in community programs that focus on de-escalation techniques, mental health support and economic empowerment rather than just shoving warnings on cigarette boxes of guns

omg I'm so glad NYC is taking action on this ! those graphic images in gun shops are like, super needed - we can't just assume people won't know the dangers of having guns at home . it's all about being proactive and keeping our communities safe . I'm so proud of City Councilmember Erik Bottcher for pushing this forward . let's hope other cities take note and follow suit . we gotta keep working together to reduce gun violence and make our world a better place

idk about these graphic images on guns... its like they're trying to scare people into not buying them or something . i mean, i get why u wanna reduce gun violence, but do we really need to be shown all the gruesome details? wont that just make ppl more likely to keep guns at home as a last resort, when they actually shouldn't be owning them in the first place?

and what's up with the cigarette pack warning labels comparison? thats not exactly fair... ppl smoking are literally putting themselves out of commission for years on end. keeping a gun around can be super convenient and necessary for some people, like those who live alone or have disabilities.

i'm just worried that this whole thing will backfire and we'll be shown all these graphic pics and people will be like "oh no, guns are too scary!" and then they won't report any actual incidents because they're traumatized . i guess only time'll tell if this is a good idea or not...

OMG y'all I'm so down for these new graphic images in gun shops it's about time we take gun safety seriously! I mean, cigarette packs have been warning us about the dangers of smoking for decades, why can't our guns be held to the same standard?

I was reading some stats on gun-related deaths and accidents and it's wild how many lives are lost every year... it's heartbreaking . I think it's great that NYC is leading the way with stricter gun laws and now this new legislation .

Let's be real, guns are not toys , they're serious business. We need to take responsibility for owning them and keep our communities safe . Can't wait to see these images up in all the gun shops and maybe it'll finally sink in that we need to treat guns with respect .