Federal judge puts temporary hold on parts of NY's new concealed carry law, allowing for challenge

A New York federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked large parts of the state's new gun-restriction law to allow the firearm advocacy group Gun Owners of America to pursue legal challenges to the legislation. 

Chief Judge Glenn Suddaby, for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, issued the order but said it would not take effect for three more days to allow the state to appeal his ruling, Reuters reported.

Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochel signed the measure into law in July, following several high-profile mass shootings. The law went into effect Sept. 1 and requires a review of social media accounts before an individual could obtain a firearms license.

It also created a list of public and private locations into which gun owners with conceal carry permits can no longer bring a gun, with those in violation subject to a felony charge. 

Other changes under new law regarding conceal carry include applicants being subject to firearm trainings and an in-person interview.

Among the places to which permitted, concealed guns can no longer be brought are Times Square, bars, libraries, schools, government buildings and hospitals.