Virginia’s new ban on assault weapons is not expected to go into effect on July 1, due to a court ruling Thursday.
Lancaster County Circuit Judge John Martin issued an injunction Thursday against the Virginia State Police, preventing them from implementing or enforcing the prohibition on firearms and magazines. The judge said the commonwealth is unlikely to prove in court that the law does not violate the state’s constitution.
The plaintiffs challenging the law were Gun Owners of America, the Virginia Citizens Defense League and Virginia resident John Crump.
The injunction will stay in place until Dec. 31 or until a final order is issued.
“We expect the Commonwealth to appeal. We also expect to prevail,” Virginia Citizens Defense League President Phillip Van Cleave said in a statement to The Washington Times.
Attorney General Jay Jones, a Democrat, said the commonwealth will appeal and seek a stay of the injunction.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Jones said the assault weapons ban “will save lives in the Commonwealth and is compliant with the Constitution of Virginia.”
The “Commonwealth will urgently file a motion to stay this ruling and appeal this temporary injunction,” he said. “We will continue to vigorously defend Virginia’s assault weapons ban and magazine capacity restrictions and uphold the laws designed to keep Virginians safe.”
Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, signed the law last month outlawing the sale and transfer of AR-15-style rifles and magazines holding more than 15 rounds.
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