12-13-2023 1:05pm

New Jersey Cracks Down on Gun Industry: Attorney General Files Landmark Lawsuits

In a bold move to combat gun violence, Attorney General Platkin targets local gun dealers and Pennsylvania gun companies under a groundbreaking public nuisance law.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has launched a legal offensive against FSS Armory, a New Jersey gun dealer, and two Pennsylvania-based gun entities, Eagle Shows and JSD Supply, under New Jersey's firearms public nuisance law, marking a significant escalation in the state's fight against gun violence.

MORRISTOWN, NJ – In a historic step to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and enhance public safety, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced civil complaints against local gun dealer FSS Armory and two Pennsylvania-based gun companies. These complaints, filed by the Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Office, leverage New Jersey’s groundbreaking firearms public nuisance law.

SAFE, a pioneering office dedicated to civil enforcement against firearm industry companies, aims to hold these entities accountable for legal violations detrimental to the health and safety of New Jersey residents. This initiative represents a novel approach to New Jersey's ongoing battle against the gun violence epidemic.

“New Jersey’s residents demand and deserve to live free from fear of gun violence, and that requires we do everything possible to get illegal guns off our streets and out of our communities,” said Attorney General Platkin.

Cracking Down on Local Gun Dealer Negligence:

FSS Armory, situated in Pine Brook, Morris County, faces charges for its negligent storage of firearms, which resulted in a burglary and the subsequent use of stolen weapons in criminal activities. The store's failure to secure its inventory as required by state law led to the theft of 20 guns, many of which are still unaccounted for.

Targeting Out-of-State Gun Show Operators and Vendors

The legal action also extends to Patriot Enterprises Worldwide LLC (operating as Eagle Shows) and JSD Supply, accused of deliberately selling ghost gun products to New Jersey residents. These unserialized, untraceable firearms pose a significant legal and safety concern. The State alleges that these companies exploit loopholes and lax regulations to facilitate the acquisition of dangerous weapons by individuals prohibited from gun ownership.

“Selling firearms is a serious business, and irresponsible behavior by gun industry members can have dire consequences for the public,” said SAFE Director Ravi Ramanathan. “The unlawful and unreasonable actions of FSS Armory, JSD Supply, and Eagle Shows have caused significant harms to our communities, and they must be held accountable.”

The State seeks substantial monetary and punitive damages, and injunctive relief to prevent further public nuisance. The legal team, led by Assistant Attorney General David Leit and Deputies Attorney General, along with Special Counsel Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, represents the State in these landmark cases.

These lawsuits align with Governor Phil Murphy’s multifaceted strategy against gun violence. This approach includes stringent laws like the recent firearms public nuisance legislation, and initiatives like the creation of the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) and the statewide Gun Violence Reduction Task Force (GVRTF).

Attorney General Platkin's decisive action underscores New Jersey's commitment to safeguarding its citizens from gun violence. By holding the firearm industry accountable, the State reinforces its stance on responsible gun ownership and sales, setting a precedent for nationwide efforts in gun violence prevention.