Johnson Calls on Republicans to Rethink Opposition to Banning Individuals on Terror Watchlist from Obtaining Gun Permits

(TRENTON) - Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee member Gordon Johnson on Wednesday called on Republican members of the committee to rethink their opposition to bill A-3687, which would prohibit a person named on the FBI's consolidated Terrorist Watchlist from being issued either a firearm's identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun.

The bill is one of more than two dozen being discussed at a special anti-gun violence hearing convened by Assembly Democrats. Two Assembly Republican committee members voted against the bill and a third abstained.

"The votes today against the bill to keep guns away from those on the Terror Watchlist are among the most puzzling I've seen.

"We are elected to protect public safety. One would think that would involve keeping guns out of the hands of those on the Terror Watchlist, but apparently not everyone agrees with that basic concept. That's hard to imagine.

"I would hope those opposed to this bill rethink their opposition and decide to put the residents of New Jersey first," said Johnson (D-Bergen).

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