A federal judge has ruled that New Jersey’s ban on the AR-15 rifle is unconstitutional, but upheld the state’s limit on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan issued a 69-page opinion explaining that his decision was influenced by recent Supreme Court rulings, particularly the 2022 Bruen decision which expanded gun rights.
The ruling has prompted plans for appeals from both 2nd Amendment advocates and the state attorney general. Judge Sheridan has delayed the implementation of his order for 30 days.
Sheridan referenced Supreme Court precedents and suggested that Congress and the President could do more to address gun violence nationwide. He expressed frustration with the Court’s stance on firearms policy, noting that radical individuals often misuse these weapons. “It is difficult to reconcile the Supreme Court’s limitations on firearms policies with the reality of their use in mass shootings,” he stated.
Sheridan’s decision could impact similar laws in nine other states and the District of Columbia, including major cities like New York and Los Angeles, as well as areas affected by mass shootings, such as Newtown, Connecticut, where the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre occurred.
Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Policy Coalition and one of the plaintiffs, criticized the ruling, calling bans on so-called ‘assault weapons’ immoral and unconstitutional. “FPC will continue to fight to eliminate these bans across the United States,” he said.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin expressed concern that the ruling compromises public safety, describing the AR-15 as a weapon of mass destruction. “We look forward to presenting our arguments on appeal,” he added.
The Bruen decision has influenced several challenges to state assault weapons bans. A case in Connecticut involves a challenge to the state’s 2013 gun control law, which includes a ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. A federal judge recently denied a request to block the law while litigation continues, and an appeal is pending.
New Jersey’s strict gun laws, championed by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, include the 2018 ban on large-capacity magazines at the heart of this week’s ruling. Murphy has also signed legislation allowing the state to pursue legal action against gun manufacturers. He expressed concern over the ruling and optimism that it would be overturned on appeal. “For too long, these weapons have caused senseless tragedies,” Murphy stated.
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The state’s assault weapons ban dates back to 1990 and covers a range of firearms, with a specific focus on the Colt AR-15 in this case. The law reducing the magazine limit from 15 to 10 rounds was intended to reduce potential casualties in shootings, despite opposition from 2nd Amendment advocates.
