Judge halts enforcement of Virginia's assault weapons sale and purchase ban for certain localities

Source: Courthouse News Service

June 29, 2026


WASHINGTON, Va. (CN) — Just two days before implementation, a Virginia judge blocked the commonwealth from enforcing a newly passed assault weapons ban.

Granting a statewide block on Monday, Washington County Circuit Judge Jeffrey Campbell held that the bans on the sale, purchase, manufacturing and transfer of high-capacity semi-automatic weapons and magazines holding more than 15 rounds 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.

“Because the newly enacted firearms ban and magazine ban would likely run afoul of the protections of the Second Amendment with respect to the types of firearms and components the plaintiffs possess as enunciated in both Heller and Bruen, I find that the plaintiffs are likely to prevail on the merits of their claims,” Campbell wrote in the seven-page opinion.

Other Virginia courts have held the provision is co-extensive with the Second Amendment. The injunction will remain in place until July 1, 2027, or until the court issues a final order. Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said his office would appeal the ruling.

Read more: https://courthousenews.com/judge-halts-all-enforcement-of-virginias-assault-weapons-sale-and-purchase-ban/