A federal judge in Massachusetts dismissed an attempt to block the state's assault weapons ban on Friday, asserting that the law aligns with recent Supreme Court precedent that has significantly impacted gun control measures nationwide.
District Judge Dennis Saylor emphasized that the state ban adheres to a "historical tradition" of regulating firearms, referencing the Supreme Court's landmark decision in the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case from last year.
A federal judge denies request to block Massachusetts assault weapons ban https://t.co/hjdbUPhmVb pic.twitter.com/qxqCv2VZy3
— The Hill (@thehill) December 23, 2023
In that decision, the high court established that all gun control legislation must maintain consistency with historical traditions.
Saylor stated, "The relevant history affirms the principle that in 1791, as now, there was a tradition of regulating 'dangerous and unusual' weapons – specifically, those that are not reasonably necessary for self-defense."
The judge further argued that the identified assault weapons are "not suitable for ordinary self-defense purposes" and present significant dangers beyond those inherent in typical firearms.
The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) had sought a preliminary injunction against the law to halt its enforcement during the legal challenge.
The 1998 law in question prohibits assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, resembling the federal assault weapons ban that lapsed in 2004.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell welcomed the ruling, stating, "Gun safety laws work, and they can be enforced consistent with public safety and the Second Amendment."
She characterized the decision as a crucial victory for public safety and Massachusetts' commitment to preventing gun violence.
NAGR expressed its intention to appeal the ruling, indicating an ongoing legal battle.
The Bruen decision from the previous year has reshaped the landscape of gun control legislation, prompting gun rights groups to challenge state laws by invoking the "historical tradition" standard.
Throughout this year, courts have either struck down or curtailed gun control measures in New York and Maryland, while also upholding similar laws facing challenges in Oregon and Illinois, leaving mixed outcomes as legal challenges have grown under the Biden administration.
The legal battles continue to unfold as Second Amendment advocates continue to fight to protect the constitutional freedoms of Americans against the attacks of the left. The latest ruling signals a loss against American freedoms in the courts that will continue to face additional battles through an appeal process that could head to the Supreme Court in the days ahead.
