Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs have announced a civil lawsuit against RW Arms, Ltd., a Texas-based company accused of selling bump stocks to New Jersey consumers. Bump stocks are devices that increase the firing rate of semi-automatic rifles to near machine-gun levels, which are banned under New Jersey law.
RW Arms allegedly advertised and sold these devices through its website without warning buyers about their illegality in New Jersey. The state claims this violates both the Hazardous Products Regulations and the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA).
“Bump stocks are dangerous devices that dramatically increase the rate of fire of semi-automatic firearms and New Jersey has zero tolerance for them in our state,” said Attorney General Platkin. “To protect our residents and keep our communities safe from the epidemic of gun violence, we will continue to investigate and take action against companies that market and ship these lethal devices into New Jersey in violation of our laws.”
The lawsuit, filed in Essex County Superior Court, accuses RW Arms of misleading advertising practices by suggesting bump stocks were legal in New Jersey. This includes using promotional materials like an orange banner stating "Supreme Court lifts Bump Stock ban!" on their website.
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, stated: “RW Arms’ alleged unlawful advertisement and sale of illegal bump stocks into New Jersey demonstrates a blatant disregard for the laws intended to keep our communities safe and protect our consumers from deceptive business practices.”
The investigation revealed that undercover purchases were made by a Division investigator without any warnings about the legality issues associated with bump stocks in New Jersey. Promotional emails received by investigators also failed to mention these legal restrictions.
New Jersey seeks maximum penalties against RW Arms, including disgorgement of profits gained through these sales. The state also wants RW Arms to prevent shipments to New Jersey addresses and provide clear warnings on their website about the legal consequences of possessing bump stocks in New Jersey.
In 2017, a mass shooting incident involving bump stocks resulted in significant casualties in Las Vegas. This led to tighter regulations across several states including New Jersey's prohibition enacted later that year.
This lawsuit is part of ongoing efforts by the Office of the Attorney General and Division of Consumer Affairs to curb illegal firearm products entering New Jersey.
