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Governor Murphy Takes Bold Steps to Protect New Jersey Communities from Gun Violence  

Washington DC Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, lauded Governor Phil Murphy and members of the New Jersey Legislature for unveiling a bold plan to protect communities from gun violence. The legislative package, Combating Gun Violence 3.0, includes the banning of deadly .50 caliber firearms, requiring firearm safety and training, and providing increased funding to lifesaving violence intervention and prevention programs.

“New Jersey’s leaders understand our work to stop gun violence is not over,” said Nico Bocour, Government Affairs Director. “The legislation introduced today is the most comprehensive package championed this year and will make the Garden State’s gun laws even stronger. That’s good news for families and communities concerned about the ongoing gun violence crisis. Thank you New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, and leaders in New Jersey for demonstrating what it means to have the courage to act to prevent gun violence.”    

In New Jersey and states across the country, the pandemic brought significantly higher levels of gun violence and gun ownership within communities. New Jersey cities experienced a trend with shooting incidents and homicides increasing roughly 20% from the previous year. There also has been a proliferation in gun purchasing and ownership.

Measures included in the package are:

  • Increasing Violence Intervention Funding
  • Banning .50 Caliber Firearms
  • Holding the Gun Industry Accountable
  • Mandating Safe Storage of Firearms
  • Requiring Firearm Safety Training
  • Raising Minimum Age to Purchase Long Guns to 21
  • Closing Loophole for Importing Out-of-State Firearms
  • Establishing Electronic Ammunition Sales Recordkeeping
  • Promoting Microstamping Technology
  • Dedicating Funding to the Rutgers Gun Violence Research Center

According to Giffords Law Center’s Annual Gun Law Scorecard,In 2020New Jersey received an A due to its strong gun laws. The state has the third-lowest gun death rate and the nation’s lowest export rate of guns used in crimes making the state a leader in gun safety laws. With gun violence incidents on the rise, the action taken by Governor Murphy and legislators will meaningfully address and ultimately reduce the nation’s gun violence crisis.