Virginia’s new ban on assault weapons is not expected to go into effect on July 1, due to a court ruling Thursday.
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A judge in Lancaster County issued an injunction Thursday against the Virginia State Police preventing them from implementing or enforcing the prohibition on the firearms and magazines.
Attorney General Jay Jones, a Democrat, said the commonwealth will appeal the ruling immediately and seek a stay of the injunction.
“Gun violence is the key driver of violent crime in this Commonwealth and nation, and assault weapons are designed intentionally to inflict maximum damage in a matter of seconds,” he said.
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Mr. Jones said the assault weapons ban “will save lives in the Commonwealth and is compliant with the Constitution of Virginia.”
The “Commonwealth will urgently file a motion to stay this ruling and appeal this temporary injunction,” he said. “We will continue to vigorously defend Virginia’s assault weapons ban and magazine capacity restrictions and uphold the laws designed to keep Virginians safe.”
Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, signed the law last month outlawing the sale and transfer of AR-15-style rifles and magazines holding more than 15 rounds.
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