A divided U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to hear a challenge to Maryland’s ban on assault weapons, including the AR-15. The Court gave no reason, but Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissented, saying the law violates the Second Amendment.
Justice Kavanaugh agreed with the decision not to hear the case now but questioned the ban’s constitutionality.
Maryland’s law was enacted after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting and prohibits dozens of semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
A similar challenge to Rhode Island’s magazine limits was also rejected.
These cases follow a 2022 Supreme Court ruling expanding gun rights and reshaping how courts evaluate firearm regulations.
