New Jersey Joins Fight to Uphold Age Restrictions on Concealed Carry

NEW JERSEY - New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced he is co-leading a coalition of 19 attorneys general, urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to reconsider a ruling that invalidated a Pennsylvania statute. This law restricts individuals under 21 from carrying concealed weapons, spotlighting the ongoing debate over gun control and public safety.

The heart of this legal battle is the case of Lara v. Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, where a panel opinion recently favored plaintiffs — young adults and gun advocacy groups — challenging Pennsylvania's age-based limitations on concealed firearm permits. This decision, according to Platkin and his colleagues, could significantly hinder the ability of states like New Jersey to implement effective measures against gun violence.

"Gun violence is a public health crisis that threatens the health and safety of all New Jerseysans, including our kids," stated Attorney General Platkin, emphasizing the critical role of minimum age restrictions as a "commonsense safety measure." He expressed hope that the Third Circuit would overturn its "misguided approach," highlighting the historical precedent and constitutional validity of such statutes.

The contested opinion raises substantial concerns regarding the constitutionality of similar age-restrictive firearm laws in over 30 states, including New Jersey. These laws, as the brief argues, align with a long-standing tradition in the United States, tracing back over 150 years, and play a crucial role in safeguarding communities from the epidemic of gun violence.

This legal initiative reflects Attorney General Platkin's ongoing commitment to combatting gun violence both within New Jersey and nationwide. Under his leadership, the state has actively pursued measures to curb the flow of illegal firearms and challenge the gun industry, while steadfastly defending New Jersey's stringent gun safety regulations.

Joining forces with Illinois and Delaware, the coalition advocating for the rehearing includes a broad spectrum of states from California to New York, united in their pursuit of maintaining the integrity of firearms regulations critical to public safety.

As the Third Circuit considers this appeal, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for gun control efforts across the country, underscoring the delicate balance between individual rights and community safety in the ongoing dialogue surrounding firearms legislation.

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