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A Virginia judge has made it clear that the temporary injunction blocking the state’s new “assault weapon” ban doesn’t just apply to a handful of localities. It applies across the entire Commonwealth.
According to FOX 5 Washington DC, the ruling adds another twist to the growing legal battle over two gun control laws signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
One prohibits the future sale of many semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15-style firearms, while the other restricts where those firearms may be carried in public.
Washington County Circuit Judge Jeffrey Campbell originally issued a preliminary injunction after finding the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their constitutional claims. But after questions arose over how far that injunction reached, Campbell issued a new opinion making his intent unmistakable: the order applies statewide.
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That means law enforcement agencies and Commonwealth’s Attorneys across Virginia are barred from enforcing the challenged provisions while the case moves forward, with the injunction set to take effect July 21 to allow statewide notice to be distributed.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones isn’t backing down.
In a statement highlighted by FOX 5, Jones called the statewide declaration legally flawed, arguing that a circuit court injunction “reaches far beyond the case before him” and cannot bind people or agencies that aren’t parties to the lawsuit. He also vowed to appeal and said his office remains confident the ban will ultimately survive judicial review.
Supporters of the law say the restrictions are intended to reduce the severity of mass shootings and improve public safety.
We see it very differently.
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The lawsuit, Santolla v. Katz, was filed by the NRA shortly after the legislation became law. According to NRA-ILA, the challenge argues the ban violates both Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution and the Second Amendment by prohibiting firearms that are commonly owned by law-abiding Americans.
Following Judge Campbell’s clarification, NRA-ILA noted that the injunction now expressly bars enforcement by all Virginia law enforcement agencies and prosecutors statewide until further court action.
The case also arrives as Virginia faces pressure from Washington.
Just last week, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the Commonwealth over the same ban, arguing it violates the constitutional rights of Virginians seeking to purchase commonly owned semi-automatic rifles.
With a statewide injunction in place, an appeal already promised, a federal lawsuit pending, and the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to hear challenges to similar rifle bans from Illinois and Connecticut, Virginia’s law now sits squarely at the center of one of the biggest 2A battles in the country.
For now, the Commonwealth’s AR-15 ban remains on hold statewide. But the legal fight is just getting started.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.