Lancaster County Circuit Judge John Martin issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday, June 25, blocking a law that would ban the sale and manufacturing of certain semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity magazines. Because of the ruling, the weapon ban does not take effect as scheduled on July 1.

The legislation made it a Class 1 misdemeanor to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, or transfer certain semi-automatic firearms — often referred to as assault weapons — and high-capacity magazines holding more than 10 to 15 rounds.

Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, D-Fairfax, and Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, introduced identical bills, Senate Bill 749 and House Bill 217, which the General Assembly passed and Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed into law. Supporters say the restrictions comply with the Virginia Constitution, while opponents challenge their constitutionality.