Amid protests in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, the county announced it is cancelling a gun and knife show that was set to take place at the Westchester County Center in February.
The Sportsmen Firearm and Knife Show has been running at the Westchester County Center since 2010, when County Executive Robert P. Astorino lifted a ban on gun shows at the County Center that was put in place by former County Executive Andy Spano in 1999 in the wake of Columbine.
“The shows in past years were popular and run in a thoroughly professional manner,” Donna Greene, a spokeswoman for Astorino, said in a statement. “But at this time as the country grieves the loss of life in Newtown, a contract renewal is not appropriate.”
Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner had harshly criticized the county for the gun show, holding a rally in Dobbs Ferry on Sunday.
“Citizens have a right to bear arms and a right to purchase guns from reputable dealers,” Feiner said. “But, there is nothing in the constitution that requires governments to allow gun sales at government buildings.”
Greene said that the county plans to review its policies and procedures to see what can be done to prevent more acts of violence.
“The county plans to be fully engaged in the complex and comprehensive conversation of how all Americans can continue to live in an open society while preventing all acts of violence,” Greene said.
