A union representing police officers in a suburb north of New York City is blasting comments made by a local newspaper as it removed a database of handgun permit applicants from its website.

Journal News Media Group publisher Janet Hasson said last week the interactive map was removed in response to a provision in new state gun control legislation. She said it was not a concession to critics or in response to threats against staff.

The White Plains Police Benevolent Association said in an open letter Monday that many believe the publication led to two burglaries targeting gun safes, including one in which two guns were stolen.

It said the paper’s job was to print news, not to put readers’ safety at risk.
It called for Hasson’s resignation.

(AP)