On Thursday, a federal judge struck down California’s ban on so-called assault weapons, ruling that the three-decade-old restriction on semi-automatic rifles violates the right to carry arms.
According to U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of San Diego, millions of law-abiding American homes that own firearms like AR-15 rifles for self-defense cannot be ruled by a small number of criminals.
The Assault Weapons Control Act and other state restrictions that violate the U.S. Constitution were challenged by a number of pro-gun organizations. Benitez, a former president George W. Bush appointee, decided in their favor.
These laws are among the harshest in the country.
According to reports, in 2021, Benitez overturned the rule, declaring California’s attempt to forbid individuals from acquiring specific firearms a “failed experiment,” and he famously compared the AR-15 to common knives.
In the preface to Thursday’s verdict, he made that argument once more.
Benitez granted an injunction with a 10-day hold to halt his most recent decision and allow the state time to appeal.
The district court’s ruling was challenged by California’s Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta, who referred to the judge’s judgment as “dangerous and misguided.”
Following the landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. vs. Bruen, which found that long-standing restrictions New York placed on carrying concealed firearms infringe on Americans’ Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights, the decision represents another victory for constitutionalists.
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