California Judge Reverses State’s Assault Weapons Ban

A federal judge reversed California’s assault weapons ban, defending the AR-15 and citing FBI data on gun violence.

A federal judge reversed California’s assault weapons ban because it violates Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of San Diego said that other states and the U.S. Supreme Court allow what California has named “illegal military-style rifles.” He gave the state Attorney General Rob Bonta 30 days to appeal.

“Under no level of heightened scrutiny can the law survive,” Benitez said. He also wrote: “Like the Swiss Army knife, the popular AR-15 rifle is a perfect combination of home defense weapon and homeland defense equipment. Good for both home and battle.”

Benitez also cited the FBI, saying, “Federal Bureau of Investigation murder statistics do not track assault rifles, but they do show that killing by knife attack is far more common than murder by any kind of rifle. In California, murder by knife occurs seven times more often than murder by rifle.”

Governor Gavin Newson then lashed out and claimed that the AR-15 is a “weapon of war” and is “used on the battlefield.” Obviously, Newsom’s claim was false, as the AR-15 is a civilian rifle.

Judge Benitez’s decision is a win for gun-owners in liberal California. We should support leaders like him who aren’t afraid to defend Americans’ constitutional rights. Claims that guns like the AR-15 are “weapons of war” are not legitimate, and assault weapons bans are a direct threat to the Second Amendment.