Gun Group Challenges Maryland's Assault Weapons Ban in Supreme Court
- Pro-gun groups are urging the Supreme Court to review Maryland's ban on assault-style firearms.
- Maryland's semiautomatic rifle ban was upheld by a circuit court, prompting the appeal to the Supreme Court.
- The case could have significant implications for gun rights and gun control laws in the United States.
Two prominent Second Amendment advocacy groups, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case challenging Maryland's "Assault Weapons Ban of 2013." This call follows a recent ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the ban in a 10-5 decision. The case, known as Snope v. Brown, has sparked significant debate over the interpretation of the Second Amendment, particularly regarding which firearms are protected under it. SAF founder Alan Gottlieb criticized the Fourth Circuit's ruling, arguing that it undermines the landmark "Heller" decision, which affirmed the right to bear arms. He contended that the court's stance effectively limits Second Amendment protections to state-approved firearms, transforming a constitutional right into a government-regulated privilege. The FPC has emphasized the need for the Supreme Court to clarify which weapons fall under Second Amendment protections, especially in light of the recent Bruen decision that challenged New York's open-carry restrictions. The Maryland law, enacted in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, prohibits the sale and transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms classified as "assault weapons." Proponents of the ban, including Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, argue that it is essential for public safety, while opponents maintain that it infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens. The case has been in legal limbo since the Bruen ruling, with advocates now seeking definitive guidance from the Supreme Court. As the legal battle continues, the FPC and other plaintiffs, including Maryland gun owner David Snope, are hopeful that the Supreme Court will address the constitutionality of the 2013 law, asserting that the Fourth Circuit's conclusion lacks a legitimate basis. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for gun rights and regulations across the United States.