VIRGINIA — The Justice Department has filed lawsuits against Virginia and California over state gun laws restricting the sale of certain firearms. These legal actions target restrictions on automatic weapons in Virginia and specific firearm modifications and sales in California.

The lawsuit against Virginia challenges a state law prohibiting the sale of automatic weapons. This suit names both the state of Virginia and its state police as defendants. In a news release, the Justice Department stated, "The Virginia law makes the commercial purchase of AR-15-style rifles a crime." The department also asserted, "Virginia's enforcement of the new ban is a pattern or practice of conduct by the commonwealth's law enforcement officers that deprives the citizens of Virginia of their constitutional right to buy and sell arms protected by the Second Amendment."

In California, the Justice Department's lawsuit targets a law that restricts the sale of firearms equipped with triggers capable of being modified into machine guns. This California law, preventing the sale of machinegun-convertible pistols, became effective on July 1. Additionally, the department's suit against California aims to stop the enforcement of the state's "Handgun Roster," which limits the types of legal firearms available for purchase. The department's legal challenge specifically seeks to halt what it refers to as California's "Glock ban."

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on the department's stance. Blanche stated, "The Constitution is not a suggestion," and characterized the Second Amendment as "a sacred right belonging to all Americans, even those in California."

Why It Matters

These lawsuits represent the Justice Department's legal challenge to state-level gun control measures in Virginia and California. The suits affect state laws regarding automatic weapons, specific firearm modifications, and the range of handguns available for commercial purchase, with the California law having gone into effect on July 1.