New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has reversed his definition of gun shops as nonessential businesses and allowed them to re-open, Fox News reported.
The decision by Murphy, a Democrat who has pressed for stricter gun laws in his state, was made after the Department of Homeland Security issued guidance that states should permit gun stores and shooting ranges to remain open during the coronavirus outbreak, since they are part of the "essential critical infrastructure workforce."
Murphy said that “In accordance with the guidance released over the weekend by the federal Department of Homeland Security, we will allow firearms sellers to operate.” This came after he had ordered gun shops shut earlier this month under his stay-at-home executive order after declaring them a nonessential business.
The governor said about the reversal that “It wouldn’t have been my definition, but that’s the definition at the federal level. I didn’t get a vote on that.”
Murphy added, however that people can buy a firearm at a store by appointment only and “during limited hours.”
Last week, the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs filed a lawsuit, arguing that “the importance of recognizing and protecting the fundamental right of law-abiding citizens to self-defense has never been higher,” Politico reported.
Despite Murphy’s reversal, the group will not withdraw the lawsuit.
“We are seeking a permanent injunction preventing this from ever happening again in this or future administrations,” the association’s executive director Scott Bach said.
Brian Freeman ✉
Brian Freeman, a Newsmax writer based in Israel, has more than three decades writing and editing about culture and politics for newspapers, online and television.
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