Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued a statement following the Third Circuit Court’s decision to uphold most of New Jersey’s sensitive places law. The law restricts the carrying of firearms in certain public areas across the state.
“I am thrilled that the Third Circuit has correctly upheld nearly the entirety of New Jersey’s sensitive places law, which protects our residents from the threat of firearms in sensitive public places across the State. Although the gun lobby has repeatedly claimed they have a right to carry a gun, hidden from view, into schools and playgrounds, beaches and libraries, bars and concert venues, among other places — they are wrong and the Third Circuit correctly rejected this challenge as going way beyond what the Second Amendment requires. We were proud to defend this critical public-safety law, and to successfully keep our residents, children, and law enforcement officers safe from the scourge of firearms violence. Laws like this, and our own wide-ranging law enforcement work to combat gun crime, is why we are now seeing record low shootings in New Jersey. At a time when guns remain the leading cause of death for children in America, we should all be working together on efforts that will reduce gun violence — rather than on legal challenges that disregard the clear will of the people and the desires of millions of parents who simply want to keep their children safe. Regardless, this decisive victory allows us to continue our critical work protecting the millions of people who call New Jersey home.”
The ruling follows ongoing debates about firearm regulations both within New Jersey and nationwide. Attorney General Platkin referenced recent data showing a decrease in shootings in New Jersey and pointed out that firearms remain a significant cause of death among children nationally.
The decision affirms state efforts aimed at reducing gun violence through legislation and law enforcement initiatives.
