Judge expands injunction blocking Virginia firearms restrictions statewide

A Washington County Circuit Court judge has expanded a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of Virginia’s new firearms and magazine restrictions, making the order apply statewide.

The case, Santolla v. Katz, challenges provisions of Senate Bill 749 and House Bill 1217, which restrict certain firearms defined as “assault firearms” and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds.

The lawsuit was filed by Joseph Santolla and other plaintiffs, including gun owners, firearms businesses, training companies, and the Virginia Shooting Sports Association. They argue the restrictions violate Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Judge Jeffrey L. Campbell first granted a preliminary injunction on June 29. In an amended July 7 opinion, he ruled the injunction should apply across Virginia, rather than only to the named defendants.

Campbell said limiting the order could create a patchwork of enforcement, where a person might be protected in one county but face prosecution after crossing into another.

The injunction now applies to law enforcement agencies and Commonwealth’s Attorneys throughout Virginia. Its effective date was moved to July 21, 2026, to allow time for notice to be sent statewide.

The ruling is not a final decision on the constitutionality of the laws. It temporarily blocks enforcement while the case continues, unless modified by the court or a higher court. Several firearms companies have announced they will resume sales of high capacity firearms to Virginia until July 21.