Gun show to return to White Plains

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - A gun show that has drawn the ire of some politicians might be returning to the Westchester County Center. In its 2018 knife and firearm show schedule, Westchester Collectors Inc. lists some of its January dates in White Plains.

The gun show at the Westchester County Center is one of its most popular. Last January, the show attracted about 7,500 gun enthusiasts and raised $50,000 for the Parks and Recreation Department.

That hasn't stopped politicians from banning gun shows in the past, though. In 1999 the then-county executive banned gun shows in light of the Columbine school massacre in Colorado. Another temporary ban was placed in 2012 in light of the Sandy Hook school massacre in Connecticut.

"If it was so popular, why is there any controversy whatsoever?" Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said.

He made the decision to bring the gun show back last year. He added that there are no official dates set in stone, but he is in favor of bringing the show back to the government building.

"You've got the First Amendment and the Second Amendment at stake, where people have a right for assembly, have a right for guns and it is strictly regulated," he said.

Astorino said that not only does the gun show bring in a lot of money, it is also safe. The safety measures include a heavy police presence, background checks, tagged inventory, and more, he said.

County Legislator Virginia Perez is one of several Democrats opposed to the gun show.

"Your Second Amendment allows you to have the gun show, but nowhere in the Constitution does it say it must be held inside a government building," Perez said.

A 9-to-8 vote last year banned the event, but Astorino vetoed the ban.

Calls and emails were placed to Westchester Collectors Inc. for a comment, but Fox 5 has not heard back yet.