TRENTON, N.J. — A federal judge has ruled that New Jersey’s ban on AR-15 rifles is unconstitutional. The decision, issued Tuesday, is a significant blow to the state’s stringent gun control laws.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by gun rights advocates challenging the state’s prohibition on the popular semi-automatic rifles. Judge Renee Marie Bumb of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey found that the ban infringes on the Second Amendment rights of citizens.
Judge Bumb’s decision stated that while the state has a legitimate interest in public safety, the outright ban on AR-15 rifles is not a permissible means of achieving that goal. The ruling emphasized that less restrictive measures could be implemented to address safety concerns without violating constitutional rights.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated that the state plans to appeal. He stressed that the law was enacted to protect residents from gun violence and that the state will continue to fight for its preservation.
Gun rights groups hailed the decision as a victory for the Second Amendment. Scott Bach, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, praised the ruling, calling it a “landmark decision” that affirms the right to bear arms.
The decision has sparked a heated debate in New Jersey, a state known for its strict gun control measures. Advocates for gun control argue that the ruling could lead to an increase in gun violence, while proponents of the decision believe it upholds constitutional freedoms.
As the legal battle continues, the future of New Jersey’s gun laws remains uncertain. For now, the ruling marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to firearm regulation.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.