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Barnes: Christie Caves to Extremists, Endangers New Jerseyans

(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes III (D-Middlesex) released the following statement Friday after Gov. Christie vetoed legislation he sponsored (A-3659) that would have banned the sale of .50-caliber rifles – including powerful battlefield-styled weapons that would be devastatingly lethal in the hands of terrorists:

“This veto is puzzling, considering Gov. Christie previously expressed support for the concept. I can only assume Gov. Christie caved to the extremists who oppose any common sense gun violence prevention effort. Why else would he have pulled his support?

“Let’s make this clear – this bill would not have stepped on anybody’s rights. In a post-9/11 society, there is simply no reason for .50-caliber weapons to be available for civilian use. With the continued gun violence across the state and the fact that New Jersey possesses numerous chemical plants and rail yards vulnerable to attack by .50-caliber weapons, we had a responsibility to stop these inherently deadly weapons from falling into the wrong hands.

“Gov. Christie failed the people of New Jersey with this partisan veto.

“It’s very unfortunate.”