Judge blocks ban on carrying guns in parks, casinos, and other 'sensitive locations' in New Jersey

A federal judge has blocked restrictions from recent New Jersey gun control laws that would have prevented gun owners from carrying concealed weapons in certain places, citing "considerable constitutional problems," according to Fox News.

U.S. District Court Judge Renee Marie Bumb, a George W. Bush appointee, has lifted the restriction on permitted gun owners that barred them from carrying concealed weapons in public parks and casinos, as well as on beaches.

Judge Bumb had already cleared other restrictions stemming from the new laws that came into effect in 2022, after the Supreme Court struck down a New York law that would restrict concealed carry for law-abiding citizens.

Bumb blocked the prohibition of guns in "sensitive locations" including libraries, museums, stadiums, arenas, and amusement parks. Restrictions on carrying in restaurants where alcohol is served were also lifted, along with airports and public transportation hubs.

New Jersey also had hoped to enforce a ban on carrying firearms on others' private property, requiring "express consent" from the owner of the property or otherwise indicating with signage that firearms are allowed on said property.

Judge Bumb also blocked restrictions on carrying guns in a vehicle.

The judge cited the New York case (New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen) in a nearly 50-page opinion that said New Jersey failed to provide enough evidence regarding restricting firearms in "sensitive places" and lacked precedent in terms of "a historical tradition of firearm regulation."

Not everything was off the table, however, in terms of the restrictions. According to Fox News, the judge agreed that playgrounds "fall within the sphere of schools," saying that it is "simply obvious, undisputed, and uncontroversial."

Democrat Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy had previously stated that he believed the new gun laws are a matter of common sense. "They're common sense. They're smart. They live up to our Jersey values," said Gov. Murphy in mid-2022.

New Jersey is just one of many states in legal battles over the right to carry concealed weapons; Florida submitted a bill for a constitutional carry in late January 2023.

Alabama also began allowing concealed carry in early 2023 without a permit.

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