Tom Precious The Buffalo News Jul 6, 2021 6 hrs ago ALBANY â Calling worsening gun violence a criminal, economic and public health threat, especially in low-income, minority communities, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Tuesday declared a âdisaster emergencyâ to free up funds and programs for job creation and other opportunities aimed especially at at-risk youth. The Democratic governor signed legislation passed earlier this year by the Legislature to end-run a federal law that will now permit New Yorkers hurt by firearms to sue gun manufacturers if they can show that a âpublic nuisanceâ was created by the sale, importation or marketing of firearms in the state. Backers say it will make a major dent in gun violence while gun rights groups say it will push some gunmakers to halt sales in New York.