NJ secures over $500K in judgments, wins key court battles in gun safety efforts, AG says
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced a series of enforcement actions and court victories aimed at strengthening gun safety laws, including more than $500,000 in judgments against out-of-state retailers that illegally sold banned firearm accessories to state residents.
The actions are part of a broader strategy to combat gun violence, which officials say has contributed to record-low levels of shootings and gun-related homicides in the state.
“Every New Jersey resident deserves to live, work, and raise a family without fear of gun violence. That is why we are using every tool we can to combat the gun violence epidemic—and why driving down gun violence will continue to be a top priority for our office,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The actions we’re announcing today build on the progress we have made in preventing tragedies before they happen. But our work is far from over. We owe it to our kids and our communities to do everything we can protect them from the scourge of gun violence.”
Among the enforcement actions, the state secured a judgment of more than $194,000 against Texas-based RW Arms Ltd. for illegally selling bump stocks to New Jersey consumers. A separate judgment of more than $332,000 was obtained against Nevada-based Arms Unlimited Inc. for selling large-capacity magazines into the state.
Both types of devices are illegal in New Jersey. Bump stocks enable semi-automatic rifles to fire at rates similar to machine guns, while large-capacity magazines allow shooters to fire more than 10 rounds without reloading.
The judgments include financial penalties and court orders prohibiting the companies from shipping these products into New Jersey in the future.
“Subjecting New Jersey consumers to possible criminal liability by failing to warn them that the products they are buying are illegal to possess here is bad enough. But doing so in connection with the sale of alarming products capable of causing grave harm like LCMs and bump stocks is especially troubling,” said Jeremy E. Hollander, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We will continue to take action against retailers who violate our consumer protection laws and endanger our residents by selling these banned products into our state.”
State officials also highlighted recent legal victories defending New Jersey’s gun safety laws.
In one case, the New Jersey Appellate Division upheld the constitutionality of a law prohibiting individuals under age 21 from possessing handguns, except under limited circumstances.
In another, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upheld the state’s ban on sharing digital gun design files used to create untraceable “ghost guns” with 3D printers.
Additional enforcement actions included settlements with North Carolina-based CSS Holdings LLC, which agreed to pay a $25,000 civil penalty, and Arkansas-based Firequest International Inc., which agreed to pay $10,000 and change its business practices after allegations of illegal sales to New Jersey consumers.
Attorney General Davenport announced the developments during a convening with Brady, a national gun violence prevention organization, focused on collaboration in policy, litigation and public education.
“We’re excited to continue our longstanding collaboration with the New Jersey Attorney General to fight against gun violence in the Garden State and beyond,” said Christian Heyne, chief policy and programs officer for Brady. “Today’s announcements further demonstrate how Attorney General Davenport intends to continue this legacy of leadership in addressing our uniquely American public health crisis. While New Jersey remains at the forefront of the country with robust gun laws and, as a result, low rates of gun violence, we know all too well that more work must be done as long as gun violence persists in any form. From public education and robust implementation of existing laws to identifying policy needs and opportunities for oversight and accountability that can stem the flow of crime guns into our communities, there are many ways we can continue to combat gun violence in New Jersey and beyond. We are grateful to Attorney General Davenport and Governor Sherrill for their continued leadership as champions in this fight to free New Jersey from the scourge of gun violence.”
Officials said the state will continue pursuing enforcement and legal action to prevent illegal firearm sales and strengthen protections for communities.
