Maplewood Mulls Banning Guns From Public Spaces: Report

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — With the Uvalde, Texas school shootings still hot in the public's mind, Maplewood town officials recently posted a message for residents about gun safety and the state's "Red Flag" law. Some town officials are also mulling a new law to prohibit carrying a gun in Maplewood public buildings and parks.

"Providing the following information is a public health approach to helping our community reduce the harmful effects of gun violence on our population," Maplewood said in a recent message.

The message notes that New Jersey has an Extreme Risk Protective Order Act, or "Red Flag" Law. It states that an individual concerned that a household member has access to a firearm, and poses a threat to themselves or others, can request to law enforcement that they revoke the permit and gun. Guidelines are here: https://www.njcourts.gov/notices/2019/n190813a.pdf

More information about that and other firearm laws is here.

Meanwhile, TAPInto reported last week that Maplewood Deputy Mayor Victor DeLuca said at a Township Committee meeting, “I absolutely think that we ought to pass an ordinance outlawing the possession of a gun, in our parks, in public buildings." At the meeting ,ome committee members supported the notion.

The discussion arose after the U.S. Supreme Court said certain state legislation to make it difficult to get a gun permit was unconstitutional.

However, the township attorney said the law may not be constitutional. Officials said they'd reach out to law enforcement to find out more.

To initiate a request under the "Red Flag" Law, contact Maplewood Police at (973) 762-3400 or contact the Essex County Criminal Division Main Number at (973) 776-9300 x55932.