BOONTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Anthony Bucco and Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon released the following statement regarding Lisa Bhimani and Darcy Draeger’s continued lies and distortions on Anthony’s voting record when it comes to keeping our communities safe:

“Here’s the truth, because you certainly aren’t going to get it from my opponents: I very recently voted yes on bipartisan measures to require enhanced background checks on private firearm sales, increase penalties for illegal firearm transfers, ban bump stocks, adopt the federal definition of ‘armor piercing ammunition’ and ban purchasing firearm parts to make ‘ghost guns’. To draw comparisons to Dayton is irresponsible, untrue and demonstrates their lack of knowledge on this issue. The Dayton perpetrator used a 100-round magazine, which is completely illegal in New Jersey. I have never voted to allow that or anything remotely close to it,” said Assemblyman Anthony Bucco. “But that’s just scratching the surface of my record of keeping our communities safe. I have also led the charge with common sense, ahead of the curve, legislation to address public safety – my bipartisan bills to require panic alarms in public schools as well as allowing schools and places of worship to hire Class III police officers to protect our students and congregants were both signed by the Governor.”

“Bhimani and Draeger should be ashamed for politicizing these awful tragedies. Assemblyman Bucco and I have worked together to keep our communities safe and done so proactively,” said Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon. “Together we are pioneering landmark legislation to expand Morris County’s successful RSVP-3 program, which brings together mental health professionals, educators and law enforcement to identify potentially problematic individuals and stop school shootings before they occur. As a career law enforcement and security professional for 36+ years, I can say unequivocally that Assemblyman Bucco’s commitment to keeping our communities safe is second-to-none. Any attack to the contrary is just plain false.”