A Virginia judge has halted enforcement of a newly passed assault weapons ban in certain localities, just two days before its implementation. Washington County Circuit Judge Jeffrey Campbell granted the block on Monday, citing that the bans violate a 1971 provision of the Virginia Constitution enshrining the right to keep and bear arms.
The injunction applies to Virginia State Police and the localities of Washington County, Chesterfield County, Frederick County, York County, Giles County, and Chesapeake. The ban would have prohibited the sale, purchase, manufacturing, and transfer of high-capacity semi-automatic weapons and magazines holding more than 15 rounds.
Judge Campbell's ruling comes four days after a judge in Lancaster County, Virginia, granted a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the bans by Virginia State Police. This is not the first time a court has challenged the constitutionality of the assault weapon ban; other Virginia courts have held that the provision enshrining the right to keep and bear arms is co-extensive with the Second Amendment.
The ruling will remain in place until July 1, 2027, or until the court issues a final order. The state's Attorney General, Jay Jones, has stated that his office will appeal the decision.
Background: The assault weapon ban was passed by Virginia lawmakers earlier this year as part of an effort to curb gun violence. However, opponents argue that the bans infringe on Second Amendment rights and are unconstitutional. This ruling is a significant setback for proponents of stricter gun control laws in Virginia.