Philadelphia

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Pardons Philadelphia Mom Facing Gun Charges

Gov. Chris Christie has pardoned a Philadelphia woman facing gun charges and jail time after a routine traffic stop in New Jersey in 2013.

The Republican governor announced the reprieve on Thursday.

Shaneen Allen was arrested in October 2013 in Hamilton Township in southern New Jersey after telling a state trooper she had a handgun and a concealed carry permit.

New Jersey did not recognize the Pennsylvania permit and she was arrested and charged under the state's strict gun laws.

Christie's decision won quick praise from the National Rifle Association, which said he did the right thing.

Christie said at a recent town hall meeting he would consider changing the state's gun laws, but the Democratic Legislature has no appetite for that and instead he'll do what's in his purview, like pardons.

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