Supreme Court declines to hear challenges to state assault weapons bans
The U.S. Supreme Court recently made a significant decision by declining to hear two cases challenging state bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The cases, originating from Maryland and Rhode Island, focused on regulations surrounding AR-15-style rifles and high-capacity magazines, respectively. While lower courts had upheld the bans, the Supreme Court’s decision not to review the cases solidified these regulations.
Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Neil Gorsuch were in the minority, expressing a desire to review the cases. The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling, which supported Maryland’s ban on AR-15-style rifles, was upheld by the Supreme Court. The court argued that the authority to ban such weapons aligns with the Second Amendment.
Opponents of the bans argued that the Second Amendment should not be limited to state-approved means of self-defense. Justice Brett Kavanaugh hinted that the Court might address the AR-15 issue in the future, despite declining to do so in this instance.
Justice Thomas, in his dissent, emphasized the importance of addressing the ban on AR-15s, stating that millions of law-abiding citizens own these rifles. The decision not to review these cases comes at a time when the Supreme Court is facing numerous challenges related to President Trump’s policies, including economic initiatives and immigration efforts.
Looking ahead, the Supreme Court is anticipated to issue rulings on various contentious issues in the upcoming weeks. This decision not to review the gun control cases underscores the ongoing debate surrounding Second Amendment rights and the government’s role in regulating firearms.
Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital, covers national politics and breaking news events. For more updates and news, you can follow Anders on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
