NJ GOP Leader Pointed Handgun At Child In Road Rage Incident, Police Say

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Additional details on the incident that ended with a Sussex County official facing gun and child endangerment charges have been revealed by police.

Sussex County Republican Chairman Joseph LaBarbera, 50, of Hardwick, was arrested this weekend after a road rage incident ended in the brandishing of a handgun, police said.

On Saturday, around 2:15 p.m., police received reports of a road rage incident on Millbrook Road in Stillwater Township.

Authorities learned that there was a dispute between a Mercedes-Benz SUV, driven by LaBarbera, and the driver of a Kia SUV, police said.

According to officials, the chairman pointed a handgun at the Kia driver and a juvenile passenger. Nobody was injured in the altercation, police added.

Hours later, LaBarbera was found at a Stillwater Township restaurant and was arrested outside. He was taken to the Morris County Jail before being released to await court proceedings.

LaBarbera is charged with fourth-degree aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unjustified display of a firearm, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

LaBarbera, a Marine combat veteran, has served as the Sussex County GOP chairman since 2023.

A joint statement to the New Jersey Globe from several GOP leaders, including Sen. Parker Space, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, and Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, said LaBarbera should step down from his role while he focuses on his charges.

LaBarbera's comments to NJ Insider indicate he may not be stepping down:

"I've done nothing wrong. I did everything correct legally and ethically. I'm falsely accused. This is a gun rights issue and I was within the law. The false accusations are indeed false. I'm ready to win this case and stand up for our civil rights."

Joseph LaBarbera to NJ Insider

Patch has reached out to LaBarbera's attorney for comment and is still awaiting a response.