Nj lawmaker credits drop in gun violence to surge in concealed carry permits

TRENTON, N.J. — As Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration attributes a record drop in gun violence to its prevention policies, Assemblyman Greg Myhre (R-Ocean) argues that an increase in legally armed residents is responsible for making the state safer.

In a video released Wednesday, Myhre pointed to a sharp rise in concealed carry permits following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision in 2022, which made it easier for residents to obtain permits. “Today, more than 58,000 law-abiding New Jerseyans can exercise their right to carry a firearm. And while some warned this would turn our streets into the Wild West, the reality has been far different,” Myhre said.

New Jersey reported 778 gun violence victims in 2024, a 16% decline from 924 the previous year, marking a 15-year low, according to the governor’s office. Gun-related fatalities also dropped 20% to 152 last year. Meanwhile, the number of concealed carry permit applications surged by more than 8,000% since the Bruen ruling, with over 57,000 permits approved post-decision.

“This reduction in gun violence isn’t because of New Jersey’s draconian gun laws,” Myhre said. “It’s because more residents are now empowered to protect themselves and their families.”

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