Fox News reported that a coalition of 19 US states led by Wyoming has asked the US Supreme Court to receive their brief in support of a New Jersey local who had challenged his state's legislation on concealed weapons.
On Wednesday, the Wyoming Attorney General's Office, who represented the state coalition, requested the Supreme Court to grant the hearing of John M Drake and others who sought legal action an appeals court ruling recently made. Last summer, a 3-person panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in favor of the New Jersey statute provision that states people who are looking to obtain permits to carry a concealed weapon must prove to law enforcement that they have a justified need.
Fox News said the brief from the state coalition was born out of the concern that should the appeal ruling stands, it could threaten the participating states' concealed weapon laws that are less restrictive.
Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said Wednesday, "This decision out of New Jersey impacts the right to keep and bear arms outside of the home. So, I felt it was necessary to have the attorney general support a petition to the Supreme Court to hear this case. If the current decision stands, states providing greater protections than New Jersey under the Second Amendment may be pre-empted by future federal action."
The news outlet said Wyoming is one of the pro-gun states in the US. It is to note that the state government still issues permits to individuals who wish to carry concealed weapons despite a 2001 reform allowed people to conceal weapons without documentation.
New Jersey local paper The Star-Ledger said on Wednesday that Drake, who owns and provides ATM services, said he carries large amounts of money due to his business.
Drake told the paper, "It seems unreasonable to me to have to wait until you're beaten up or shot at to get a permit."
