DOJ files two gun-law lawsuits
The Justice Department filed separate July 1 lawsuits against California and Virginia, challenging new firearms restrictions in both states. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/2394d5882e96b7d5980af714f1443d06))
On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Justice Department filed separate federal lawsuits against California and Virginia, saying both states crossed a Second Amendment line with new firearms restrictions. AP said both cases are early-stage litigation, not court rulings, and both states said they will defend their laws.
California case targets Glock ban and handgun roster
In California, DOJ is challenging AB 1127, a chaptered law that says licensed dealers may not sell, offer for sale, exchange, give, transfer, or deliver certain semiautomatic machinegun-convertible pistols starting July 1, 2026. DOJ says the law and California’s handgun roster unlawfully restrict the sale of common handguns.
Virginia case targets semiautomatic rifle sales
In Virginia, DOJ is challenging a law that makes the commercial purchase of AR-15-style rifles a crime and says anyone who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, or transfers an assault firearm is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, with limited exceptions. DOJ says the state is banning the purchase and sale of ordinary semi-automatic rifles protected by the Second Amendment.
What to watch next
The immediate question is whether either lawsuit produces an early court order, but for now the only confirmed development is that the cases were filed and will now move into federal court.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Justice press release: Justice Department Sues California to Halt Glock Ban
- Virginia Code § 18.2-287.4:1
- California Assembly Bill 1127
- Associated Press: National overview of the DOJ lawsuits against California and Virginia
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