Gov. Murphy’s shooting stats miss the mark: armed, law-abiding New Jerseyans are changing the game after Bruen, says Space, Fantasia, Inganamort
NEW JERSEY – Governor Murphy’s recent announcement touting a reduction in shooting victims in New Jersey for 2024 conveniently ignored one critical factor: the landmark 2022 Bruen decision, which empowered law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms for self-defense, said Senator Parker Space and Assembly Members Dawn Fantasia and Michael Inganamort.
Space, Fantasia, and Inganamort are calling out this glaring omission, crediting the decision for enabling New Jersey residents to take their safety into their own hands.
“For years, liberals warned us that allowing concealed carry in New Jersey would lead to chaos and violence—the so-called ‘Wild West,'” said Space (R-24), who has held concealed carry licenses in multiple states. “The reality is clear: giving law-abiding citizens the ability to defend themselves has not only failed to increase shootings but may actually be helping reduce them. The proof is staring us all in the face.”
The 2022 Bruen decision by the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the constitutional right of law-abiding Americans to carry firearms outside their homes and imposed a higher standard for courts to evaluate firearm regulations. Since this decision, concealed carry permits in New Jersey have surged, empowering responsible gun owners and sending a clear message to criminals.
“New Jersey residents have sent a loud and clear message to criminals: they will not be victims,” said Fantasia (R-24), a gun owner and staunch Second Amendment supporter. “These perpetrators are starting to think twice, knowing that their next carjacking attempt might be their last.”
Since Bruen, multiple court challenges have been filed to dismantle New Jersey’s restrictive firearms laws. Senator Space, Assemblywoman Fantasia, and Assemblyman Inganamort have worked closely with advocates and plaintiffs in these cases, offering assistance and standing firmly against further oppressive legislation.
“We are fighting to ensure New Jersey citizens can fully exercise their constitutional rights, just like most Americans across the country,” said Inganamort (R-24), a longtime Second Amendment advocate and gun owner. “With the Constitution—and decisions like Heller, McDonald, and Bruen—on our side, it’s only a matter of time before these oppressive laws are overturned. Until then, Parker, Dawn, and I remain vigilant in defending the rights of lawful gun owners and opposing any further attempts to erode our freedoms.”
The Bruen decision has been a pivotal moment in the fight for Second Amendment rights, forcing states like New Jersey to reconsider unconstitutional restrictions on firearm ownership. Despite the administration’s attempts to downplay its impact, the evidence suggests that empowering responsible gun owners has contributed to a safer New Jersey.
