By WKBW News

January 16, 2013 Updated Jan 16, 2013 at 5:59 PM EST

Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs stated earlier today he would not provide The Buffalo News with the records of over 75,000 pistol permit holders in Erie County.

Late last week, he received a request by the publication for “all active pistol permit holders in Erie County, including but not limited to name and address.”

The request came after a publication from downstate obtained and published all pistol permit holders in Rockland and Westchester Counties.

“I will exhaust every legal avenue available to keep the record of registered gun owners private,” said Jacobs. “I believe such disclosure could endanger the life and safety of our citizens. As an elected official, that will always be my first priority.”

The Buffalo News said they have no intention of publishing the list but request the data for other purposes