Supporters fill courtroom in gun case

HANOVER, N.Y. (WIVB) - The first suspect charged under New York State’s new gun law faced a judge Wednesday morning. Thirty-two-year-old Benjamin Wassell, of Silver Creek, allegedly sold illegal assault and semi-automatic assault weapons to an undercover state police investigator.

MORE | NYS has set up a website to help those who may have questions learn more about the NY SAFE Act

Hanover Town Court was filled with supporters of Wassell. Supporters tell News 4 they want all the charges against Wassell dropped, including the charge that violates the New York SAFE Act. Supporters say the new gun law takes away their second amendment rights, and Wassell’s rights.

"He did a tour in Iraq and stuff and he took a bomb hit for his country and this is how we pay him back? I don't think so," said Dewayne Farley, a friend of Wassell's.

Wassell charges a misdemeanor charge and three felonies, after allegedly selling the weapons to undercover investigators in January and then in February.

One supporter says Wassell was a Marine, “he was blown up for his country and here he is being persecuted.”

Protester from Alden Leonard Roberto said, “What’s happening to him is a travesty. They are violating not only his second amendment rights, but my second amendment rights by this unjust prosecution. This law should have never gone into effect, the court should have ruled it unconstitutional.”

After Wassell was arrested, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman saying any sale of any semi automatic weapon will not go unpunished.