Court Temporarily Blocks Democrat Governor’s Semi-Auto Gun Ban
Daily Caller News Foundation
A Virginia court issued a preliminary injunction halting a ban on the sale and transfer of modern semiautomatic firearms Thursday, securing a victory for pro-Second Amendment organizations. Democratic Virginia Gov…
A Virginia court issued a preliminary injunction halting a ban on the sale and transfer of modern semiautomatic firearms Thursday, securing a victory for pro-Second Amendment organizations.
Democratic Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed the ban on so-called “assault weapons,” SB 749, into law on May 14, drawing immediate suits from pro-Second Amendment organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), Gun Owners of America (GOA), Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC). A judge in Lancaster County, Virginia, sided with the organizations by putting the ban on hold, according to social media posts by VCDL and GOA.
“VCDL/GOA lawsuit victory! The judge in Lancaster County has issued a temporary injunction against enforcement of both the ‘assault firearm’ ban and carry prohibition,” VCDL President Philip Van Cleave posted. “I’m not sure about the magazine ban yet, but I should know soon and will advise. For now the enjoinment applies to the Virginia State Police statewide. We expect an appeal by the Commonwealth. More coming as things evolve.”
An effort by former Republican Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to block the ban based on the militia clause of the state constitution’s provision on the right to keep and bear arms failed June 18, when Spotsylvania County Circuit Judge William Glover denied a preliminary injunction, accepting the argument from Democratic Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones’ office that there was no individual right to own a “military style” firearm.
Jones did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
“VCDL is extremely pleased with the temporary injunction that was issued today against the unconstitutional assault firearm ban,” Van Cleave told the DCNF. “We expect the Commonwealth to appeal and we expect to prevail.”