In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the gun rights community, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just signed Bill A00544B into law — a measure many are calling one of the most extreme and unconstitutional forms of gun control in the nation. The law, which went into effect immediately upon signing on October 16, grants law enforcement sweeping new powers to confiscate firearms without a warrant.

This latest move pushes New York from “bad to extreme”, according to critics, and represents an alarming new precedent in government overreach — one that could easily spread to other states if left unchallenged.

Under the new statute, if law enforcement responds to what’s called a “family violence situation,” they are now required to confiscate any firearms they encounter. This differs from the previous 2020 law, which merely allowed — but did not mandate — confiscation.

The troubling part? Officers can now seize firearms and even revoke carry permits without a judge’s order or warrant. All it takes is a “belief” or suspicion that there might be a threat — even if that belief comes from a false or third-party accusation.

In other words, this law essentially turns police into judge and jury over your Second Amendment rights.

Unlike existing red flag laws, which require judicial review and a signed affidavit, A00544B bypasses the courts entirely. A police officer’s subjective judgment alone is now sufficient grounds for confiscation.

Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA), issued a stark warning about this abuse of power:

“When the enforcement people also become the prosecution and are able to institute a warrant because of a perceived threat without any background check, it puts us all in danger.”

This new law also extends the time law enforcement can hold your firearms — from 48 hours to 120 hours — and you must prove you’re not a “prohibited person” before getting them back.

This law effectively criminalizes lawful gun ownership based on little more than a hunch or accusation. Critics argue that it tramples the Constitution and sets a terrifying precedent for nationwide confiscation under vague and subjective conditions.

Many fear that if the federal government or the courts do not step in, other blue states like California, Illinois, and New Jersey will soon follow suit — creating a domino effect of unconstitutional enforcement.

New York’s A00544B isn’t just another gun control measure — it’s a dangerous step toward government-authorized seizure without due process. If this law stands, it could redefine how easily citizens across the country lose their Second Amendment rights.

For now, the hope is that gun rights organizations and the courts intervene before this becomes the new national standard.