Trenton mayor-elect to reintroduce bill on gun crimes

<p>Trenton's Mayor-elect Reed Gusciora says that he plans to reintroduce a bill that eliminates a non-imprisonment rule for first-time stolen weapons offenders.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 22, 2018, 12:47 AM

Updated 2,136 days ago

Share:

Trenton's Mayor-elect Reed Gusciora says that he plans to reintroduce a bill that eliminates a non-imprisonment rule for first-time stolen weapons offenders.
Gusciora says that he decided to reintroduce the bill after it was reported that at least one of the alleged shooters at the Arts All Night Trenton shooting was using a stolen gun.
The bill would force jail time to those who are convicted of the theft of a firearm, even if it is the person’s first offense.
"This is one that truly goes across the spectrum of support. Whether you're the NRA that doesn't want a stolen firearm or whether you're in the Million Moms March, that believes that there should be stricter gun laws, this is the bill that meets those in the middle,” the mayor-elect says.
The bill was previously introduced back in 2014. It received bipartisan support at the time.
Authorities say that over 20 people were injured when rival gangs got into a shootout at the 24-hour arts event last week. Police officers shot and killed one of the suspects. Two other suspects were also injured and hospitalized.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office says that prior to the shooting a Hamilton Township teacher posted a warning on her Facebook page about possible violence at the festival. A retired Hamilton Township police officer saw the post and alerted the Trenton Police Department.
Art All Night executive director Laure Otis said in a statement, "Over two hours before the shooting, Art All Night fully and without hesitation, complied with Trenton police's request to shut down all outdoors activities, and ultimately close down the event completely."
Otis says that prior to the shooting, there were 40 police officers and a 14-man private security detail on hand to break up the crowd as the event was closing down.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman referenced the shooting at the festival Thursday while addressing the House floor about stricter gun legislation.
"Earlier this week, I wrote a letter to you Mr. Speaker, asking for consideration for any one of these 70-plus bills in honor of the victims of Sunday's shooting. I have yet to receive a response to my request. And, with the paralyzing fear that seems to grip my Republican colleagues whenever we mention guns, I don't have high hopes that I will get one. But I do know, the longer we continue to ignore this problem, the more people will be hurt and more lives will be lost,” she said.
Four Trenton police officers were placed on leave following the shooting, which is standard during a police-involved shooting investigation.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is the lead investigator on the case.


More from News 12
2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

2:26
Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

0:32
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

0:22
Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

0:30
Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

2:20
Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care

Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care