Six Gun Rights Groups File Federal Lawsuit Challenging NJ Suppressor Ban

A coalition of six leading gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association and the American Suppressor Association, has filed a joint federal lawsuit challenging New Jersey’s ban on firearm suppressors, arguing the ban violates Second Amendment rights. These groups emphasize that suppressors, also known as silencers, are hearing protection devices recommended by numerous health organizations to mitigate hearing damage and are constitutionally protected as "arms." Additionally, two separate federal lawsuits have been filed against New Jersey’s bans on firearm silencers and short-barreled rifles, contending these laws do not meet the standards set by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that requires gun regulations to align with historical firearm regulation traditions. The lawsuits highlight that suppressors have been lawfully used since the early 20th century and that short-barreled rifles have a historical precedent for self-defense and hunting. Plaintiffs assert that New Jersey’s outright bans criminalize tools historically used safely and responsibly, potentially setting important legal precedents for gun rights nationwide. Legal representation for the plaintiffs includes firms such as Hartman & Winnicki PC, Cooper & Kirk, and Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP.