Murphy, Grewal back background checks for ammo purchases

Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced their support for a law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases Tuesday.

“As gun violence continues to tear apart families and communities, bold and decisive action is needed,” Murphy said. “I am proud of the leadership and courage on display in New Jersey as we continue to tackle gun violence in our State. I stand with Attorney General Grewal and the twenty other Attorneys General in calling for the House and Senate to pass Jaime’s Law without delay and ensure that individuals who cannot legally obtain firearms are not able to purchase ammunition.”

The law is named for Jamie Guttenberg, a 14 year old who was killed during a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School in Parkland, Florida, last February.

The measure would bar those with felony convictions, domestic abuse convictions and serious mental health problems from purchasing ammunition.

“New Jersey has become a leader in the fight against gun violence, and it’s time for the federal government to do its part,” Grewal said. “Under Governor Murphy, New Jersey has continued to tighten its laws to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, violent criminals, and domestic abusers. But we can’t defeat the scourge of gun violence alone, which is why I’m proud to join Attorneys General from across the country in calling for the passage of Jaime’s Law to expand background checks at the federal level.”