The U.S. Supreme Court will hear two challenges to state-level assault weapon bans, a move that brings potential precedent-setting cases before the country’s highest court.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently granted to hear two Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) petitions for a writ certiorari in Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins. Each takes on “assault weapons” bans, one in Illinois, the other in Connecticut.
Viramontes, originally filed in 2021, takes on Cook County’s ban on numerous commonly owned modern firearms. It served as the precursor for a nearly identical statewide ban later passed by the Illinois legislature. Grant, meanwhile, bans semi-auto rifles by both name and feature set. After a troubling and misguided preliminary injunction decision from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, SAF took it to the Supreme Court.
Taking on Assault Weapon Bans
“The Supreme Court’s decision to hear these pivotal cases will finally provide the courts the necessary guidance as it relates to the types of arms protected by the Second Amendment,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “The modern semi-automatic rifles banned in Cook County, Connecticut and elsewhere are among the most commonly owned firearms in the country, placing them well within the scope of the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of rifle that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard.”
SAF is joined in Viramontes by the Firearms Policy Coalition and two private citizens, and is joined in Grant by the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and three private citizens.
“Lawmakers have long relied on fearmongering to pass laws that infringe on the Second Amendment, especially when it comes to common, semi-automatic rifles,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “We’re hopeful the Court will finally put to rest the idea that these rifles are not covered by the Second Amendment simply because of their look and features. These arms are no different than other semi-automatic firearms millions of Americans own for self-defense, and we look forward to restoring the right to keep and bear arms for countless citizens through these cases.”
Editor’s Note: The SAF is fighting the good fight, to be sure. Only recently, SAF has challenged the NFA, challenged a carry ban in our national parks and scored a win in California. Our legal system is a complicated play on words and meaning at times, and SAF consistently challenges infringements at every level—constantly working to protect our right to own and carry arms. It’s an organization worthy of support.
For more information, visit the Second Amendment Foundation at SAF.org.
