Virginia Judge Issues Preliminary Injunction Preventing Enforcement Of So-Called “Assault Weapon” Ban

This week, a Lancaster County judge issued an injunction against the Virginia State Police (VSP), preventing the State Police from taking steps to implement or enforce the “assault weapon” ban passed by Virginia Democrats and signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger. The ban was supposed to take effect July 1st.  

In the briefing filed by Second Amendment activists, that the legislation violated Virginian’s right to “keep and bear arms” and citing the clear precedent from the federal courts as reason to rule that this ban was unconstitutional. The state lawyers argued that the judge should use a separate state level analysis. The judge rejected this argument and sided with the Second Amendment Advocates.  

About the ruling, the Virginia Citizens Defense League said, “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. 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.”  

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said, “Gun violence is the key driver of violent crime in this Commonwealth and nation, and assault weapons are designed intentionally to inflict maximum damage in a matter of seconds. The assault weapons ban passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor will save lives in the Commonwealth and is compliant with the Constitution of Virginia.”