NRA Sues Virginia Over New 'Assault Weapons' Ban

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has filed two lawsuits against Virginia following Governor Abigail Spanberger's signing of a law banning the sale and manufacture of so-called 'assault weapons' and high-capacity magazines. The law, which takes effect July 1, 2026, makes it a misdemeanor to buy, sell, transfer, or manufacture banned firearms or magazines holding more than 15 rounds. The NRA's lawsuits, filed in state and federal court, argue the law violates the Second Amendment. The federal lawsuit claims the ban targets commonly owned firearms like the AR-15, which it argues cannot be restricted under the Constitution. Governor Spanberger defended the law, stating it aims to protect families and support law enforcement. The ban aligns Virginia with states like California, Illinois, and New York, which have similar restrictions. Meanwhile, Republican-led states have moved to relax gun laws, highlighting a national divide on firearms policy. The NRA and other gun-rights groups, including the Second Amendment Foundation and Firearms Policy Coalition, have joined the legal challenges. The U.S. Department of Justice has also indicated it may sue over the ban.