Governor Christie is refusing to take a position on President Obama’s call for federal bans on assault weapons and gun magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds.

 “When I believe that it’s appropriate for me for given an option I’ll give one, but I don’t feel it’s appropriate right now especially when I have no influence over it. There’s nothing going on right now in Congress that would lend to believe that I could have a position of influence on that topic one way or another at the moment.”

Christie says New Jersey already has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation, but more steps are needed to reduce gun violence.

He says a task force will study gun control, addiction, mental health, and school security and make recommendations within 60 days.

 “This is a comprehensive look at not just what common sense measures we can implement to curtail gun violence, but a hard look at the root causes in our state. This is about the bigger picture. This is about violence control not just about gun control.”

Christie says there are no predetermined outcomes, and he’ll consider everything the task force recommends.

Bryan Miller, the former leader of Cease Fire New Jersey, is critical of Christie’s approach. Miller says delaying the strengthening of the state’s gun laws is likely to lead to more injury and death.