Jul 14, 2008 7:36 pm US/Eastern
NJ Moves Step Closer To Strict Handgun Sales Limit
Several Mayors, Activists Ask State Senate To Pass Legislation Limiting Consumers To Only 1 Handgun Per Month
Bill Has Already Passed State Assembly
NEWARK (CBS) ―
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The Mayors of Newark and Jersey City, along with several community activists, asked the State Senate to pass legislation that would place a limit on handgun sales in New Jersey to just one a month.
AP
Some people say owning one gun is one too many. Others say one is not enough. But if they live in New Jersey - it soon may be - thanks to a proposal limiting gun sales.
They didn't know each other, but officials say their tragic deaths had one thing in common. Both Suheti Ocasio and a mother shot inside a Montclair YMCA were murdered by suspects who used illegal handguns.
"Approximately 80 Americans are killed everyday by gun violence. The senseless gun violence in our neighborhoods has to stop," said Asyah Aquil, a member of "Million Mom March."
The Mayors of Newark and Jersey City, along with several community activists, asked the State Senate to pass legislation that would place a limit on handgun sales in New Jersey, to just one a month.
"I think anybody who feels the need to purchase 13 handguns a year, is either a collector, and there are exemptions in the law for them or they intend on selling the guns on the street," said Brian Millier of Ceasefire.
"Many of the guns that we are seeing used in crimes here in Newark are coming not from far away and distant states but, are coming from local gun dealers," said Mayor Cory Booker.
The National Rifle Association says the legislation will not reduce crime, however. In a statement to CBS 2 the NRA said: "It will only affect honest citizens who already submit to fingerprinting and numerous background checks to qualify for a permit to purchase a handgun."
Newark's mayor claims buyers can purchase several guns at shops. Gun shop owners say laws are tough to make sure weapons don't get in the hands of criminals. But the co-sponsor of the bill disagrees.
"It's one bill. It's one step. But we hope it serves as the beginning of a deterrent," said State Senator Sandra Cunningham.
The bill has already passed the State Assembly but the Senate won't be back until the fall to vote on the legislation.
The co-sponsor of the bill says the legislation will not affect law enforcement or licensed collectors.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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