Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Chris Christie Won't Sign Gun Control Bill

The New Jersey governor vetoes a gun magazine reduction bill.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a gun-control bill that would have cut the maximum allowable size for an ammunition magazine from 15 to 10 rounds, urging lawmakers to focus instead on mental illness to reduce violence.

 

Christie was being pressured by both sides. The bill was closely watched by Second Amendment advocates suspicious of Christie as a presidential contender as a blue-state Republican. Parents of children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Connecticut visited his office Wednesday to deliver online petitions with more than 55,000 signatures urging him to sign the bill.

Bryan Miller, executive director of Heeding God's Call, said Christie's veto was a political calculation related to gun-friendlier states such as New Hampshire and Iowa.

"Governor Christie had an opportunity to do something simple, effective and immediate for the safety of New Jersey's homes, schools and communities, but he failed to do it. Whatever the merits of the unrelated measures he suggested, he failed to make the state safer," Miller said.

The New Jersey Association of Rifle and Pistol Clubs, the National Rifle Association's state chapter, said the bill would have banned a class of popular .22 caliber semi-automatic rifles as well as magazines larger than 10 rounds.

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
Special Projects