Senator Martins to Introduce Legislation Banning Handgun-Shaped Cell Phone Cases

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) announced that he will be introducing legislation to ban cell phone cases which are shaped like handguns. 

     “These handgun-shaped cell phone cases can easily be mistaken for a real firearm, creating a dangerous situation for the public, the police, and most especially the person who is carrying it. Brandishing and walking around with a real-looking gun, then giving the appearance of pulling out a weapon is potentially disastrous and practically courting trouble. A police officer shouldn’t have to decide whether someone is pulling out a weapon or their cell phone. These idiotic devices will do nothing but bring tragedy; they have no place on our streets,” said Senator Martins.

     Recent media reports noted that the “gun grip” cases can be easily purchased for as little as $10. They are shaped like pistols and revolvers, complete with triggers, and come in colors including black or silver, making them very hard to distinguish from a real gun. Sometimes the devices even come with apps that allow the user to play simulated games of Russian Roulette. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) and Nassau County Police Department recently warned about the dangers these “gun grip” cases pose to both residents and police officers.

     Current state law bans toy guns and other types of imitation weapons that substantially duplicate or can reasonably be perceived to be a real firearm. The legislation Senator Martins is introducing would expand the law to specifically include the handgun-shaped cell phone cases.

An example of one of the "gun grip" cell phone cases (NYPD photo)