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Since her appointment to the senate, Kirsten Gillibrand has faced fierce criticism for championing the rights of gun owners. But on Monday, she tried to cast herself as a different kind of champion -- one that will crack down on illegal gun trafficking.

"We have to target those traffickers who are making an enormous amount of money on selling illegal guns to criminals. We need to keep guns out of the hands of criminals," said Gillibrand.

Gillibrand says she plans to introduce anti-trafficking legislation, announcing the plan after meeting with the parents of Nyasia Pryear-Yard, a Brooklyn teenager killed by gunfire, and with students at Nazareth Regional High School.

The new senator insists she is not flip-flopping.

"I never had a position that is in favor of gun violence. I have only had a position that makes sure people have a right to own a gun if they are a law abiding citizen," said Gillibrand.

Pryear-Yard's parents say they are willing to give Gillibrand the benefit of the doubt. The senator promised to create two internship positions in their daughter's name.

"You just got to give a person a chance. Even though she has one view, maybe we enlightened her today to have another view," said Jennifer Pryear.

The grace period many New Yorkers have indicated they are willing to give Gillibrand won't last forever.

"We are going to be watching her and as I said I am more than willing to help in any way. Our school, community, parents, they all are very hopeful that this is not just another political statement that is going nowhere," said Barbara Gil, Nazareth Regional High School Principal.

Earlier in the day, Gillibrand introduced herself to some of the city's powerbrokers, voicing support for the federal stimulus package at a breakfast put on by the Association for a Better New York.

In Albany, one of Gillibrand's potential U.S. Senate opponents raised questions about her recent statements.

"To change on so many fundamental issues in such a short period of time obviously raises doubts about her," said Representative Peter King.

Those in favor of her new positions say they are just pleased she is starting to see things as they do.