FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2024
Washington, D.C. – Today, Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in support of the challenge to Maryland’s “Assault Weapons” Ban. GOA and GOF were joined by several groups in the filing, including Gun Owners of California, Tennessee Firearms Association, Virginia Citizens Defense League, and the Heller Foundation.
In the brief, GOA urges the Supreme Court to take the case, arguing that the 4th Circuit has intentionally tried to circumvent Bruen with their ruling to uphold Maryland’s ban, just as they have done previously in other landmark cases that eventually reached the Supreme Court. Additionally, the brief highlights how so-called “assault weapons” unquestionably meet the definition of bearable arms under Heller and Bruen.
Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:
“Semi-automatic rifles have long been in the crosshairs of anti-gunners despite their soaring popularity, and under Heller and Bruen they are undoubtedly protected by the Second Amendment. Contrary to the political spin and temper tantrums of anti-gunners, these weapons are often Americans’ choice for self-defense – just ask our own Stephen Willeford.”
Sam Paredes, on behalf of the board for GOF, added:
“We have been fighting bans on semi-automatic rifles for over four decades, and we’re optimistic we may finally see one get full review by the High Court. If heard, we are confident that the Justices will rebuke Maryland and the many states across the country who have stripped their citizens of the right to bear one of America’s most popular firearms.”
GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.
-GOA-
