(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
(New York, NY) — More and more bodega owners across the city say they have legally bought guns to protect themselves. Fernando Mateo, head of the United Bodegas of America says owners don’t want to use their guns, but he says they feel threatened more than ever. He says 230 owners have applied for gun licenses. Mateo says he helps owners connect with concealed-carry classes that are required by the New York to obtain a gun permit. Radhames Rodriguez, who owns several bodegas in the Bronx, tells the New York Post that he purchased a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol after obtaining his concealed-carry license two months ago. He says he has felt safer ever since.
Bodega owners across the city say the need to arms themselves has become more urgent in recent years. They also blame slower police response times for their crime fears.
