Federal Judge Overturns New Jersey's Ban on AR-15 Rifles, Citing Second Amendment Rights

A federal judge has struck down New Jersey's ban on the sale and possession of AR-15 rifles, ruling that the state's "Assault Firearms Law" is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan's decision on Tuesday found that the ban violated the Second Amendment, which protects the right to bear arms.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs and the Firearms Policy Coalition, challenging the AR-15 ban and another law restricting higher-capacity magazines. Sheridan's decision referenced recent Supreme Court decisions on state gun regulations, including the landmark "New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen" case.

While the ruling overturned the AR-15 ban, it did not apply to other guns currently banned in New Jersey, such as the Springfield Armory BM59 or the Beretta AR-70. Additionally, Sheridan upheld the state's ban on higher-capacity magazines, citing their use in recent mass shootings.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs announcing plans to appeal the ruling, while New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin threatened to appeal the judge's decision to overturn the AR-15 ban.