DOJ Sues California and Virginia Over State Gun Bans

The United States Department of Justice filed two federal lawsuits on July 1, 2026, to block firearm restrictions in California and Virginia. In California, the suit targets Assembly Bill 1127, which prohibits the commercial sale of Glock and Glock-style semiautomatic handguns, and challenges the state's existing handgun roster. The administration argues these laws are unconstitutional, contending that legal firearms cannot be banned simply because they can be illegally converted into automatic weapons using "Glock switches."

In Virginia, the DOJ is challenging a ban on the sale, purchase, transfer, and manufacture of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, specifically AR-15 style rifles. While a Washington County Circuit Judge issued a preliminary injunction on June 29 blocking enforcement for some parties, the federal lawsuit seeks a broader halt to the legislation signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the department will also threaten legal action against New Jersey, Maryland, and New York for maintaining restrictions similar to a Hawaii law recently struck down by the Supreme Court. Governor Gavin Newsom and Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones vowed to defend their respective laws, describing them as common-sense safety measures designed to protect communities and save lives.