Justice Department Sues Virginia Over Firearms Law

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia State Police, challenging a recently enacted state law that restricts the commercial sale of certain semi-automatic rifles.

According to the complaint, the federal government alleges the law violates the Second Amendment by prohibiting the purchase and sale of firearms commonly owned by Americans.

The lawsuit argues the restriction applies to semi-automatic rifles widely available in the United States.

The law at issue makes the commercial purchase of AR-15-style rifles a criminal offense under Virginia statute. AR-15-style rifles are among the most commonly sold firearms in the country.

In a statement, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Department of Justice is committed to defending Second Amendment rights and characterized the lawsuit as part of ongoing federal enforcement efforts.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ Civil Rights Division said the department had previously indicated it would challenge the law if enacted, and stated the lawsuit was filed following its passage.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division oversees enforcement of federal civil rights statutes, including those it interprets as applicable to Second Amendment protections.

The complaint asserts that enforcement of the Virginia law constitutes what it describes as a “pattern or practice” that infringes on constitutional rights. Those claims have not been adjudicated in court.

Virginia officials have not yet publicly filed a response in court.

The case will proceed in federal court. The Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section enforces the Second Amendment. If you believe your right to keep and bear arms is being infringed, please submit a complaint through www.justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section.