New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, a long-time member of Governor Phil Murphy's administration, has launched two significant civil lawsuits against entities in the firearms industry. These actions are in line with the enforcement of the 2022 firearms public nuisance law, which New Jersey employs to circumvent the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This law empowers the Attorney General to pursue civil suits against gun companies for violations of New Jersey law, even those based outside the state.
The lawsuits target New Jersey-based FSS Armory, Patriot Enterprises Worldwide LLC (operating as Eagle Shows), and Not An LLC (operating as JSD Supply) from Pennsylvania.
Platkin accuses FSS Armory of negligence in firearm storage, leading to theft and subsequent illegal trafficking. The official complaint against FSS Armory cites their storage practices as placing local and neighboring state residents at risk by enabling the circulation of firearms among criminals and unauthorized individuals.
The second complaint concerns Eagle Shows and JSD Supply, alleging that these companies have been deliberately marketing "ghost gun" products to New Jersey residents, despite being aware of their illegality in the state. These accusations hinge on the claim that these businesses have been exploiting proximity to the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border to make such firearms easily accessible to New Jersey residents.
Assistant Attorney General David Leit is the signatory attorney for both complaints, not Platkin. In these actions, Platkin is seen to be targeting not only the victim of a crime (FSS Armory) but also a business legally operating in another state (Eagle Shows and JSD Supply). Platkin's statement emphasizes New Jersey’s commitment to holding those responsible for illegal gun trafficking and industry enablers accountable, stressing the importance of gun dealers and the firearms industry complying with state laws.
SAFE Director Ravi Ramanathan echoed this sentiment, stating that the actions of the accused have caused considerable harm to communities and must face consequences. However, there is a notable absence of criminal complaints against the accused, raising questions about the allegations of "unlawful" actions.
As New Jersey continues to enforce its firearms public nuisance law, the outcome of these civil complaints remains uncertain. The state's aggressive stance may lead to significant legal challenges for the involved firearms industry members, and developments in these cases will be closely monitored.
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