According to Gov. Phil Murphy and acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck, people in New Jersey do not need to carry a firearm in public for self-defense.
The legislation will head to the Supreme Court after filing an amicus brief to defend their laws stating citizens must demonstrate a particularized need to carry a firearm for self-defense.
“We will always defend our state’s common-sense gun safety laws,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Concealed carry can and does lead to unnecessary violence and brings more firearms to our town and city streets. I look forward to seeing Acting Attorney General Bruck’s success in upholding our concealed carry restrictions.”
Murphy also states residents and their families deserve to feel comfortable in public and not fear anyone in the street can turn a dispute into an armed confrontation.
“The Second Amendment has always allowed states to adopt common-sense restrictions on carrying a concealed firearm in public – to protect their residents. A Supreme Court decision striking down reasonable firearm licensing laws would pose a significant risk to public safety,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck.
These decisions are based on New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, a case involving two men citing a general desire to conceal carry a firearm being denied.
Decisions like these can stem from a small part of gun control but gradually can crumble our rights to the 2nd Amendment. Who are these men to seemingly strip away the right to keep and bear arms? It should not matter if it is in public.
Requiring citizens to demonstrate a “need” to defend themselves only makes it easier for criminals to prey on those defenseless law-abiding citizens. These men stand behind the idea that concealed carry leads to more unnecessary violence and threatens public safety. Really, concealed carry can prevent violence by an unwanted party and makes sure public safety is upheld when our first responders seemingly are not readily available.
Above all, responsible gun owners aim to make sure they and others who carry consistently demonstrate proficient knowledge and the necessary fundamentals of safety.
Murphy says the Constitution does not permit citizens to conceal carry firearms in public, but he is absolutely wrong.
Wanting to uphold unjust concealed carry laws in an imperfect world endangers those who cannot seek protection from an imminent threat.
