Exclusive | JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg wants to hit some states for guns flowing to NYC

JFK’s grandson wants to hit states with weak gun laws where it hurts.

Congressional hopeful Jack Schlossberg’s plan to tackle gun violence would charge states penalties if they don’t conduct stronger background checks for gun buyers — and their firearms end up at New York crime scenes. 

He would then give the funds collected to federal investigators under what he’s calling the “Ricochet Rule.” 

“We’re not saying anything about the Second Amendment,” the liberal 32-year-old candidate, who’s running for US Rep. Jerry Nadler’s 12 District seat, told The Post.

JFK”s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, wants to penalize states whose guns end up at NY crime scenes. Ron Sachs – CNP for NY Post

“There’s an illegal flow of guns into states across the country from a couple states with weaker gun laws,” he said. “We should at least have a penalty to make sure that we can fund enforcement of this common sense idea.”

The move was prompted by “a gun epidemic that is hurting New York,” Schlossberg said.

“We’re calling it the ‘Ricochet Rule’ because guns ricochet into New York from other states but accountability should as well.” 

The funds would be used in part to investigate illegal gun trafficking. AFP via Getty Images

Schlossberg is running for Jerry’s Nadler’s congressional seat. AFP via Getty Images

States with a disproportionate number of guns found at crime scenes in New York should face the penalty, Schlossberg said. Bloomberg via Getty Images

He added: “It’s very important for New York City because the vast majority of guns that are used in crimes are exported from states with weak gun laws and into our state with strong gun laws.”

The states with a “disproportionate number” of guns found in connection with crimes in New York would be fined and the money would be given to the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kennedy heir said.

Between 2017 and 2021, New York recovered 27,407 guns that were used in crimes and 21,863 of those crossed state lines, according to ATF data. Of that number, 68% came from states with no background check requirements.

Guns that end up at city crime scenes are often from out of state, authorities have said. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The amount of the penalty hasn’t been determined but “it would have to be significant enough to incentivize them to cooperate,” he said.

“I think we should be trying to do something about this problem, not just when it’s in the news,” Schlossberg said. “We can’t stop, we can’t forget. We’ve got to keep it up, because we’re not powerless.”