Virginia Judge Blocks Enforcement of Assault Weapons Ban

A Virginia judge issued a preliminary injunction that halts enforcement of Governor Abigail Spanberger’s SB 749 law, which would have banned the sale, transfer, import and manufacture of semi‑automatic firearms classified as “assault weapons” and limited magazine capacity to 15 rounds. The injunction, granted by a Lancaster County Circuit Court judge (identified as John Martin in some reports), prevents the Virginia State Police from enforcing the ban through at least Dec. 31, 2026, pending a full hearing and appeal.

The lawsuit was filed by gun‑rights groups including Gun Owners of America, the Virginia Citizens Defense League, and individual plaintiff John Crump. Plaintiffs argue the law violates Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution, which guarantees a right to keep and bear arms. The Commonwealth, represented by Attorney General Jay Jones, called the ruling “disappointing” and said it will appeal, emphasizing that the ban was intended to protect public safety.

SB 749, signed by Spanberger on May 14, would have taken effect on July 1, 2026, and also prohibited high‑capacity magazines holding more than 15 rounds. The case cites the U.S. Supreme Court’s Heller and Bruen decisions, which protect firearms in common use, and references a 2000 dissent by Justice Clarence Thomas that the term “assault weapons” is a euphemism used by gun‑control advocates.