Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), on behalf of Ivan Antonyuk and five other plaintiffs, are responding to the Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in Antonyuk v. James, a pivotal case that challenges New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA). This case seeks to rein in New York’s post-Bruen restrictions that continue to infringe on the rights of lawful gun owners—particularly its vague “good moral character” requirement and limitations on carrying in a host of nonsensitive public places.

The Court’s denial on Monday is the latest development in our ongoing effort to ensure that states, including New York, fully comply with the Supreme Court’s clear mandate in NYSRPA v. Bruen. That ruling confirmed that the Second Amendment protects the right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense and that any restrictions must align with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

Our petition argued that New York’s law defies that standard by invoking outlier, post-Founding laws to justify sweeping limits on concealed carry. We also highlighted the widening circuit split over how courts are interpreting and applying Bruen, and we urged the Court to provide clarity and enforce its precedent.

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement: “While we are disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision not to take this case, we will never stop fighting to defend the rights of gun owners across the country. New York’s so-called ‘good moral character’ requirement is nothing more than a permission slip to violate constitutional rights. GOA and GOF will continue challenging laws that allow bureaucrats to decide who gets to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms.”

Sam Paredes, on behalf of Gun Owners Foundation, added: “Make no mistake—this isn’t the end. The Second Circuit’s decision below is part of a broader campaign to resist Bruen and deny lawful Americans their rights. The Supreme Court may have passed on this case at this preliminary stage, but we are confident that the Justices will soon address the growing defiance of the lower courts. GOA and GOF are prepared to keep fighting, wherever this battle leads.”

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.