Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of the Attorney General
Jay Jones
Attorney General
202 North 9th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-786-2071
FAX 804-786-1991
Virginia Relay Service
800-828-1120
For media inquiries only, contact:
Rae Pickett
RPickett@oag.state.va.us
Stay Order Issued in Virginia’s Assault Weapons Ban Case
Decision aligns Virginia courts and strengthens unified approach to defending the Commonwealth’s gun-safety law
RICHMOND, Va. - Today, a Lancaster County Court judge joined three other state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in granting a stay in John Crump, et al. v. Jeffrey S. Katz, a challenge to Virginia’s assault weapons ban and large capacity magazine restrictions. Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement:
“My office has fought for the uniform and fair application of the law, and today’s decision delivers exactly that. With the United States Supreme Court now reviewing major challenges to assault weapons bans, this stay ensures Virginia’s cases move forward on solid, consistent footing.
Virginia’s constitutional assault weapons ban is an evidence-based response to addressing the epidemic of gun violence and to protect families, law enforcement, and communities. By aligning these cases under a single legal path while the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s ruling, we’re building a clear and consistent process, and we remain confident that this lifesaving measure will ultimately be upheld.
Gun violence continues to drive violent crime in Virginia and across the nation, and assault weapons are designed to inflict maximum harm in seconds. The law enacted by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor will save lives, and it stands firmly within the bounds of the Constitution of Virginia.
My office will keep pushing forward, doing everything we can to defend Virginia’s gun laws and keep our communities safe.”
Published on: August 21, 2026
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