Judge blocks Virginia gun law before July 1

(The Center Square) – A Lancaster County Circuit Court judge on Thursday granted a preliminary injunction temporarily preventing Virginia State Police from enforcing the state’s new assault firearms law before it takes effect next week.

The injunction was granted in Crump v. Katz, a lawsuit brought by Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, Virginia Citizens Defense League, Virginia Citizens Defense Foundation and individual plaintiffs challenging Senate Bill 749. Implementation was to begin Wednesday on the first day of July.

Attorney General Jay Jones said the commonwealth will seek an emergency stay and appeal the ruling.

“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,” Jones said in a statement. “The assault weapons ban passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor will save lives in the commonwealth and is compliant with the Constitution of Virginia.

“This ruling is ...