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Gun-advocacy group threatens lawsuit against Buffalo School Board

Avery Schneider
/
WBFO News File Photo

A local gun-advocacy organization is preparing to sue the Buffalo School Board.

2AWNY, which works to expand the U.S. Constitution's 2nd Amendment right to bear firearms, is coming to the support of Common Councilmember Ulysees Wingo.

Wingo carried his legally-registered handgun into Riverside High School to attend a school event in May. He has since apologized for the incident.

The Erie County District Attorney acknowledged a crime was committed, but declined to bring charges.

This week, however, the School Board moved to ban Wingo from school grounds and events for 18 months,. That would include his son's graduation on June 24. Riverside's principal was also put on paid administrative leave pending a district investigation.

2AWNY Civil Rights Advocate Steve Felano said Wingo has done nothing to incur such "public abuse" and that "schools allowing lawful concealed carry are extremely safe." Felano said he intends to use the board's action "as an opportunity for the courts to review the constitutionality of Buffalo School policy and state law barring licensed concealed carriers from possessing their lawful weapons on school grounds."

The group also has been active in repealing New York's SAFE Act.

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