NJ GOP Leader Arrested On Gun, Child Endangerment Charges: Reports

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Sussex County Republican Chairman Joseph LaBarbera was arrested on Saturday in Stillwater on gun-related charges, according to reports.

A report from the New Jersey Globe says the chairman was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering a child by a non-caretaker, aggravated assault with a firearm, and unjustified display of a gun by a gun permit carrier.

Sources told NJ Insider that the episode began as a "road rage" incident. NJ Globe says the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, and police arrested him a few hours later in the parking lot of a local restaurant.

LaBarbara, a Marine combat veteran, has served as the Sussex County GOP chairman since 2023.

A joint statement to the Globe from several GOP leaders, including Sen. Parker Space, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, and Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, said LaBarbara should step down from his role while he focuses on his charges.