Gov. Chris Christie vetoed several gun bills late last week, including one that would ban .50 caliber weapons. Primary sponsor of the bill, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, deputy majority leader, told NJ Today Managing Editor Mike Schneider that .50 caliber weapons serve no purpose other than warfare and don’t need to be allowed in New Jersey.
Gusciora said he was disappointed by Christie’s veto because the governor seemed to be in favor of it when it was first introduced. “I think even as a U.S. attorney he recognizes that the more guns we get off the street and the potential harm that they may cause, it’s the better. The fact remains that .50 caliber weapons are not readily used in hunting,” he said.
While Gusciora admits that there isn’t evidence to show .50 caliber weapons have been used in crimes, he said that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen in the future. “Crime escalates and criminals get smarter and they are more and more resourceful. So the question remains — do we wait until one happens or do we take it away? The .50 caliber weapon could take out a bus, could take out a plane. It’s used in warfare. I don’t know why somebody needs it to hunt a deer in New Jersey,” he said.
Some have said Christie’s decision to veto the measure shows that he is considering a run for president and therefore must gain favor with the NRA and others who fight for gun rights. Gusciora said Christie’s political ambitions could be a factor. “We know out west and south they’re more passionate about their guns so yes, that probably does factor in,” Gusciora said.
Gusciora said after the veto, supporters will wait for another moment, but move on. “I think that the governor’s right to say that we need to go into mental health and socioeconomic issues and in order to get rid of gun crimes. I think the economy has to improve. We need jobs to keep people busy,” he said. “I’m perfectly willing to work hand in hand with the governor to improve the economy and make sure that there’s less and less opportunity to go out on the streets and fight with weapons.”
Christie also conditionally vetoed a measure that would overhaul the firearm identification cards. Gusciora said lawmakers would consider Christie’s changes. “I think that anything we can do to set an example for other states to follow. I think we have to applaud Sen. [Steve] Sweeney for coming up with the idea. So I look forward to working with the governor to make sure that all sides factor in,” Gusciora said. “I think politics and legislation is a compromise so I think we should be willing to work with both the governor and the advocates of the smart IDs.”
When asked if the political climate will change should Christie get reelected in November, Gusciora said, “They always say this is the silly season but I think this is a good challenge for both parties to rise up above the acrimony that we see down in Washington and to work together. I think we should all work for our constituents and put our heads together to get this economy going and I think that that will do a lot more to lessen the crimes than just sitting around in the Statehouse.”