New Jersey Sued for Shutting Down Gun Stores During Pandemic

A group of gun-rights advocates sued New Jersey in federal court Monday, challenging the state’s temporary shuttering of gun stores and its online background check portal in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Taken together, these actions amount to a ban on obtaining firearms or ammunition,” the lawsuit says.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, names Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and the state police superintendent as defendants. It targets Executive Order 107, which Murphy signed March 21.

The order, like similar measures adopted in cities and states nationwide, mandates the closure of ...