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Indiana-Based Firearms Dealer Halts Large Capacity Magazine Sales to New Jersey Following State Investigation
Element Armament Agrees to Comply with New Jersey's Strict Firearms Laws
TRENTON, NJ - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, in coordination with the Division of Consumer Affairs, announced a significant legal agreement with Indiana-based Element Armament, LLC. The firearms dealer consented to cease advertising and selling large capacity magazines (LCMs) to New Jersey residents, following allegations from an undercover state investigation.
This resolution stems from Element Armament's sale and shipment of four LCMs to an undercover state investigator, a transaction that contravened New Jersey's stringent consumer protection laws. As part of the agreement, Element Armament will pay $17,705, including a $12,000 civil penalty and reimbursement for the Division's legal fees.
In New Jersey, the possession and sale of LCMs—magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition—are strictly prohibited. These high-capacity magazines enable a shooter to discharge numerous rounds quickly, a factor that has tragically linked LCMs to mass shootings due to their ability to inflict greater harm.
Attorney General Platkin expressed a firm stance against the illegal circulation of LCMs, underscoring the state's commitment to identifying and prosecuting violators of its gun control laws. "New Jersey has zero tolerance for unlawful large capacity ammunition magazines that significantly increase a shooter’s ability to injure and kill large numbers of people quickly," Platkin emphasized, highlighting the importance of these laws in safeguarding residents from gun violence.
The Division's investigation revealed that Element Armament, operating both a physical store in Whiteland, Indiana, and an online platform, failed to inform New Jersey consumers about the criminal implications of possessing LCMs in the state. The undercover purchase, made on July 9, 2022, included two 13-round magazines and two larger magazines, one 50-round and one 60-round, all shipped to a New Jersey address.
Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Cari Fais, reaffirmed New Jersey's commitment to preventing the sale of banned firearm parts, leveraging consumer protection laws to enforce this mandate.
Under the settlement terms, Element Armament is obliged to:
- Cease advertising, offering, selling, or shipping LCMs to New Jersey consumers.
- Prevent the ordering and shipping of LCMs to any New Jersey address.
- Clearly disclose on its website that LCMs are illegal in New Jersey and the severe consequences for purchasing them.
- Implement and enforce internal policies to ensure compliance with these prohibitions.
- Maintain records of all sales and attempted purchases of LCMs to New Jersey addresses.
This legal action aligns with Governor Phil Murphy's June 2018 enactment of comprehensive gun safety measures, including the reduction of LCM capacity limits from 15 to 10 rounds. The Element Armament case continues the Office of the Attorney General and the Division of Consumer Affairs' ongoing efforts to shield New Jersey citizens from illegal firearm products and gun violence.
