Gun Rights Groups Sued New Jersey Over Weapons Laws
A new federal complaint challenges state definitions that restrict carrying certain self-defense items.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Law
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The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs and Knife Rights Inc. filed a lawsuit challenging state weapons statutes. The plaintiffs allege that current regulations, specifically under the 2022 Chapter 131 law, improperly limit the ability of citizens to carry everyday objects for self-defense.
Why it matters
Plaintiffs argue that New Jersey's broad definition of what constitutes a prohibited weapon effectively deprives residents of intermediate self-defense options. They assert that these state-level restrictions violate legal precedents established by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Bruen case.
The lawsuit challenges the broad interpretation of weapons definitions under New Jersey's 2022 Chapter 131 law. While the state currently permits the carrying of pepper spray, plaintiffs argue the statute remains overly restrictive.
The players
Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs
This is an advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the Second Amendment rights of gun owners in New Jersey.
Knife Rights Inc.
This national grassroots organization works to advocate for the rights of knife owners through legislative and legal efforts.
New Jersey Attorney General's Office
This government department serves as the primary law enforcement and legal representative for the state of New Jersey.
The details
The 28-page federal complaint names four individual plaintiffs: 63-year-old Wendy Copenhaver, 58-year-old Wayne Viden, 65-year-old Salvatore Marsilla, and 77-year-old Walter Everard Jr. The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has stated its intention to defend the state's existing weapons laws in court.
Timeline
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in State v. Kelly in 1990.
New Jersey enacted the Chapter 131 weapons law in 2022.
Gun rights groups filed the federal lawsuit on September 21, 2026.
Political Context
The plaintiffs argue that the state statute thwarts the precedent established in the Bruen case by the U.S. Supreme Court. Conversely, state officials maintain that their regulatory framework remains compliant with public safety requirements.
Residents may see continued legal uncertainty regarding the types of self-defense items they are legally permitted to carry in public. The outcome of this federal case will determine if the state must adjust its definitions of lethal weapons and revise current enforcement practices.
The takeaway
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between state-level weapon regulations and federal constitutional interpretations. Individuals should monitor court developments to stay informed on how potential changes to state law might affect their personal self-defense practices.
Further reading
For more on the legal environment in the state, visit the Law section.
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Should states be allowed to restrict the types of objects citizens carry for self-defense?
