Judge blocks Virginia assault weapons ban days before it takes effect

Published June 25, 2026 4:38pm ET | Updated June 25, 2026 7:51pm ET



A Virginia judge on Thursday granted a preliminary injunction barring state police from enforcing an “assault weapons” ban days before it was supposed to take effect.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) signed sweeping gun control legislation in April that banned semiautomatic center-fire rifles or pistols that can hold more than 20 rounds, which quickly drew criticism from gun rights groups.

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