Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on April 9 several significant legal victories and enforcement actions aimed at reducing gun violence in New Jersey, including over $500,000 in judgments against out-of-state retailers for illegally selling banned firearm accessories to state residents.
These actions are part of a broader strategy to address gun violence, which officials say has contributed to record low rates of shootings and gun-related murders across the state. The announcement underscores ongoing efforts by the Attorney General’s Office to use all available tools to protect communities from firearms-related harm.
“Every New Jersey resident deserves to live, work, and raise a family without fear of gun violence. That is why we are using every tool we can to combat the gun violence epidemic—and why driving down gun violence will continue to be a top priority for our office,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The actions we’re announcing today build on the progress we have made in preventing tragedies before they happen. But our work is far from over. We owe it to our kids and our communities to do everything we can protect them from the scourge of gun violence.”
Christian Heyne, Chief Policy and Programs Officer for Brady, said: “We’re excited to continue our longstanding collaboration with the New Jersey Attorney General to fight against gun violence in the Garden State and beyond… We are grateful to Attorney General Davenport and Governor Sherrill for their continued leadership as champions in this fight to free New Jersey from the scourge of gun violence.”
Recent court decisions include judgments against RW Arms Ltd., a Texas retailer fined more than $194,000 for selling bump stocks into New Jersey, and Arms Unlimited Inc., a Nevada company ordered to pay over $332,000 after selling large capacity magazines (LCMs) into the state. Both companies must also prevent future shipments of these items into New Jersey.
Additional resolutions were reached with CSS Holdings LLC (Carolina Shooters) and Firequest International Inc., who agreed respectively not only to pay civil penalties but also change business practices by blocking sales of LCMs or bump stocks into New Jersey while clearly warning customers about local prohibitions.
OAG also defended two major laws: one barring handgun possession by those under age 21 except under specific circumstances—a restriction upheld as constitutional—and another upholding a ban on sharing digital files used for making untraceable “ghost guns.”
According to its official website, the office led by Attorney General Matthew Platkin protects residents’ lives and property while providing statewide enforcement support; it extends authority throughout all counties; influences public safety through law enforcement oversight; holds statewide power under statutory mandate; offers services such as crime lab support, victim advocacy, consumer protection initiatives; and functions as an agency focused on justice across New Jersey.
Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of Consumer Affairs Division said: “Subjecting New Jersey consumers…is especially troubling…We will continue action against retailers who violate our consumer protection laws.” These combined efforts reflect both ongoing vigilance within government agencies and partnerships with advocacy groups seeking further reductions in firearms-related harm.
