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The Trump administration filed lawsuits last week against California and Virginia, challenging newly enacted state gun laws that restrict the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms, arguing the measures violate the Second Amendment.
The Justice Department filed separate lawsuits in federal court, contending that both states enacted unconstitutional restrictions on firearms protected under the U.S. Constitution.
“The Constitution is not a suggestion, and the Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement announcing the lawsuit against Virginia.
The legal challenges add to an ongoing national battle over firearm regulations as Democratic-led states continue to adopt stricter gun laws while Republican-controlled states move to expand gun rights.
Virginia law faces multiple legal challenges
Virginia’s Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation earlier this year prohibiting the sale and manufacture of certain semiautomatic firearms. The law took effect Wednesday and has already drawn at least four additional lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.
The Justice Department argues the measure unlawfully infringes on the constitutional rights of Virginians to purchase firearms commonly owned by law-abiding citizens.
Virginia officials defended the law, saying it is intended to reduce gun violence while remaining consistent with constitutional protections.
“The law is a commonsense measure that keeps Virginians safe, protects law enforcement, and safeguards communities across the Commonwealth,” the office of Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said in a statement.
Spanberger’s office also defended the legislation, saying the governor believes “firearms designed to inflict maximum casualties do not belong in our communities, near our kids and schools, or on Virginia’s streets.”
California law targets certain handguns
In California, the Justice Department challenged a state law prohibiting licensed firearms dealers from selling certain handguns that federal officials say can be readily converted into fully automatic weapons.
According to the lawsuit, the measure largely affects Glock and Glock-style pistols, among the most commonly owned handguns in the United States. The lawsuit also contests additional California restrictions governing handgun sales.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office defended the state’s firearm regulations, saying California has enacted “effective and constitutional gun safety laws” that have helped reduce firearm deaths.
Supreme Court to weigh semiautomatic rifle bans
The lawsuits come as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear another major Second Amendment dispute.
The justices have agreed to consider whether state bans on certain semiautomatic rifles violate the Constitution. Oral arguments are expected during the court’s upcoming term.
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority has issued several recent rulings expanding gun rights, including two Second Amendment decisions this year.
The administration’s lawsuits against California and Virginia could ultimately be influenced by the high court’s forthcoming ruling, which is expected to further define the constitutional limits of state firearm regulations.
