Three federal lawmakers from New York have introduced legislation that would prohibit the sale, transfer or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. On Friday, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Aaron Salter, Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act in honor of the 10 lives that were lost during the May 2022 shooting at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Tim Kennedy and Grace Meng. The bill is named for a retired Buffalo Police officer who was the security guard on duty during the deadly shooting. Salter took immediate action to combat the shooter, Payton Gendron, but according to Gillibrand, his weapon was no match for the enhanced body armor that Gendron wore. Enhanced body armor is currently legal for civilians in most states to purchase online without federal restrictions, while exempting law enforcement and military personnel.
Photo by Governor Kathy Hochul's Office
