TRENTON, N.J. – Gov. Mikie Sherrill denounced a landmark federal appeals court decision overturning key New Jersey gun restrictions, calling it part of an “extreme, right-wing” attempt to dismantle the state’s firearms laws.
The comments came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled in a 10-5 en banc decision that New Jersey’s ban on many semiautomatic rifles and its 10-round magazine limit violate the Second Amendment. The ruling is the first by a federal appeals court to strike down a state’s assault weapons ban.
Governor blames “extreme, right-wing” effort
In a statement released Friday, Sherrill said the court’s decision threatens public safety and criticized what she characterized as politically motivated efforts to weaken New Jersey’s gun laws.
However, the ruling was handed down by Joe Biden appointed judges.
“Today’s decision is dangerous, wrong, and make no mistake, it will make New Jersey communities less safe,” Sherrill said.
The governor, who served as a Navy helicopter pilot, said her military experience shaped her views on firearms regulation.
“It’s because of that experience that I know weapons of war do not belong on the streets of New Jersey.”
Sherrill concluded her statement by directly targeting the court’s ruling.
“This decision is not only legally wrong, it’s completely out of step with parents and the people of the Garden State. Our commonsense gun safety laws have saved lives and protected communities—and shootings have declined for the last three years. We will not back down from extreme, right-wing attempts to weaken the laws of New Jersey.”
Attorney general says ruling is legally incorrect
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport also criticized the decision, arguing the Third Circuit departed from every other federal appellate court to consider similar laws.
“Today’s decision from the Third Circuit invalidating New Jersey’s careful laws restricting the AR-15 and large capacity magazines is as unfortunate as it is legally incorrect,” Davenport said.
She added that the state is evaluating its legal options while continuing to enforce New Jersey’s remaining firearms laws.
“Every other federal circuit court to consider the issue has come out the other way. Assault weapons and large capacity magazines play a dangerous role in the modern epidemic of mass shootings, and New Jersey acted reasonably and lawfully in restricting them.”
Gun restrictions remain in effect
Despite the court’s ruling, New Jersey’s assault weapons ban and magazine capacity restrictions do not automatically disappear.
State officials are expected to seek further review and may ask the Third Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the decision while appeals continue. Until then, the legal status of the challenged laws remains unsettled, and firearms dealers are unlikely to change sales practices.
Why it matters
Sherrill’s characterization of the Third Circuit’s ruling as an “extreme, right-wing” effort adds political rhetoric to what is expected to become one of the nation’s most significant Second Amendment cases. With a split now existing among federal appellate courts, the U.S. Supreme Court is widely expected to have the final word on whether states may continue enforcing assault weapons and high-capacity magazine bans.
About this case
The Third Circuit’s decision invalidated New Jersey’s assault weapons ban and 10-round magazine limit under the Second Amendment. The state is expected to seek additional review, and the restrictions remain subject to further court proceedings.
