TRENTON – Senator John McKeon (D-Essex/Passaic) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit’s decision to uphold a key piece of New Jersey gun safety legislation:

“I applaud the Third Circuit’s decision to uphold the vast majority of New Jersey’s common-sense gun safety law. This ruling is not only a victory for public safety, but also an affirmation that states have the right to protect their residents in sensitive public spaces, such as schools, places of worship, or hospitals, where most of our residents believe guns do not belong.

“New Jersey has long been a leader in passing smart, responsible gun laws that respect constitutional rights while prioritizing the safety of our communities. The results are clear: our state consistently ranks as one of the safest states in America with one of the lowest rates of gun violence.

“Yesterday’s ruling reinforces the fact that our approach is working. By keeping guns out of the wrong hands and prohibiting them in certain public places, we are protecting families in communities across the state.”