Virginia judge halts assault weapons ban days before it takes effect

A Lancaster County Circuit Judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking Virginia’s new assault weapons ban from taking effect July 1, finding the plaintiffs are likely to succeed under the Virginia Constitution and applying the Bruen framework. The injunction, which keeps enforcement paused through December 31 or until a final order, allows one plaintiff to proceed after a standing finding; the case involves Gun Owners of America, the Virginia Citizens Defense League and John Crump, and the commonwealth has signaled an appeal, while similar relief is being sought by the NRA in another county.