THE NEW YORK CITY CITY COUNCILLOR SHOOTING has some interesting features not widely noted. The basic story is that incumbent city councillor Davis was shot to death in City Hall by semi-serious primary challenger Askew. The two points of interest are the implications for gun control of the concealed guns both were carrying and the homosexuality of Mr. Askew.
First point. Both men carried guns, but Mr. Davis did not draw his, and Mr. Askew was
killed by a guard. The New York Times says in a July 24 story,
Mr. Davis had a reputation as a maverick; he was one of the few Council members who
voted against the property tax increase. But he was well liked by colleagues. He carried
a licensed handgun but did not draw it yesterday, the police said.
The story gives a bit of ammunition to each side of the gun control debate. Requiring
gun permits failed to prevent Mr. Askew from killing someone, and carry a gun failed to
save Mr. Davis's life when he was attacked.
Second point. Mr. Askew apparently was a homosexual, as another New York Times story
tells us
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While the gun had been legally purchased out of state, Mr. Askew did not have a
permit for it in New York, law enforcement officials said last night.
Is it legal to carry concealed handguns in New York City, even with a license? How many
people do so? Is it routine for politicians to carry guns there?
A former model, he had, according to court records, a minor criminal history--- driving
under the influence, chasing his naked boyfriend into the street with a hammer--- and,
according to some who came across him in Brooklyn, a near-desperate desire for some
small place in the limelight.
Not especially relevant here, probably, except for rumors that Mr. Davis threatened to
publicize Mr. Askew's behavior, but an oddity of the situation.