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EDITORIAL Yes, you still need a special permit to carry a firearm in Jersey

There is, to no one’s real surprise, a lot of misinformation out there about the United States Supreme Court’s decision to make an alteration to New York state’s concealed-firearms law.

Some took to social media to say now, anyone who has a permit and a gun may carry without any further permits here.

This is simply false.

The SCOTUS decision made one and only one significant change that affects New Jersey and many other states — and that is, while applying for a permit to carry a concealed weapon, one no longer needs to include a statement or reason as to why they want to carry.

Nothing else, at all, changes.

This information was affirmed by Matthew J. Platkin, the attorney general of the State of New Jersey, otherwise known as the state’s top law-enforcement officer, when he sent a memorandum to every police chief and every county prosecutor in the state on Friday, June 24, 2022.

Those who wish to carry a concealed weapon must apply for a permit to do so and must first possess a permit to purchase a firearm, must still undergo a rigorous background check — including endorsement from three reputable people “who shall also certify thereon that the applicant is a person of good moral character and behavior.” Said person must also still demonstrate superior knowledge of safe handling and use of a firearm.

So, while there was some thought the SCOTUS decision would create a radical change in Jersey, the reality is it eliminated one simple provision — a reason for seeking a concealed-carry permit.

All else remains the same.

You’ve been officially notified.

Celebrate July 4 in Belleville

July 4 kicks off with a big bang at the old Belleville Dutch Reformed Church cemetery — at 171 Main St. at the corner of Rutgers Street opposite the Belleville-North Arlington bridge — as the Belleville Historical Society hosts the 21st-annual Independence Day ceremony at 10 a.m. The cemetery is the final resting place of 68 Revolutionary War soldiers. The ceremony will include the raising of a 13-star flag, the singing of the National Anthem, a roll call of the names of the 68 soldiers and conclude with the firing of a 21-gun cannon salute.

Shiels: Suggestion the death penalty would stop shootings is wrong

To the Editor:

Tragically and heartbreakingly, the day after Mr. (Armand) Rose’s letter was published in The Observer, we learn that, no, Mr. Rose, the death penalty will not deter mass shootings.

The death penalty in Texas did not deter an 18-year-old from killing 19 innocent children and two teachers.

Having police in the school did not stop the killer either before it was too late.

“A good guy with a gun did not stop a bad guy with a gun.”

What we need in this country is nationwide gun control measures and a ban on assault weapons. I heard today that AR-15s were created as military weapons.

They should never be sold to civilians. And to those who cry about Second Amendment rights — what about a child’s right to go to school without being gunned down, a shopper’s right to walk through a store without being shot?

The framers of our constitution could not envision the deadly weapons we have today. Maybe it’s time to amend the Second Amendment?

Our hearts go out to all the parents of these little children.

We pray. But prayers and tears are not enough!

Elizabeth Shiels Kearny

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

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