A group of Second Amendment activists on Thursday secured a temporary injunction that blocks Virginia's arbitrary new ban on popular semi-auto firearms and their magazines.

In the case of Crump v. Katz, Lancaster County Circuit Judge John Martin issued an injunction against the Virginia State Police from taking steps to implement or enforce Virginia’s new “assault firearm” ban and 15-round magazine capacity limitation (SB749) as well as a carry prohibition (SB727). The case, brought by John Crump along with Gun Owners of America and the Virginia Citizens Defense League, argued the pending laws, set to take effect on July 1, violate the state's 1791 constitution. 

The plaintiffs asked the court for an injunction to block the laws from taking effect, pending a trial on the merits of their case. 

"[T]he public interest supports the granting of an injunction, because it is always in the public interest that the government be prevented from infringing enumerated constitutional rights," read the 22-page complaint.

Judge Martin, who was elected to the 15th Judicial District by the Virginia Assembly in 2016, agreed with the plaintiffs and issued an injunction blocking enforcement of the laws until Dec. 31.  

"Our injunction prevents the Virginia State Police from enforcing the firearm, magazine, and carry bans while our case moves through the courts," said the GOA in a statement. 

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, a controversial Democrat who during last year's election campaign was backed by Bloomberg's Everytown anti-gun group, which donated $200,000 to his campaign as a "Gun Sense Candidate," is appealing the injunction. 

"This ruling is disappointing and puts our communities at risk," said Jones. "The Commonwealth will urgently file a motion to stay this ruling and appeal this temporary injunction. We will continue to vigorously defend Virginia’s assault weapons ban and magazine capacity restrictions and uphold the laws designed to keep Virginians safe."

Besides the Crump suit, a second challenge to the looming ban was also heard on Thursday in Washington County. That case, Santolla v. Katz, is backed by a series of gun retailers, the Virginia Shooting Sports Foundation, and the NRA. 

Meanwhile, the NRA, Second Amendment Foundation, and Firearms Policy Coalition have also filed a federal lawsuit, McDoanld v. Katz, in the Eastern District of Virginia over SB749.

Banner image: An MKE-made Century Arms AP5 on the range in Anniston, Alabama. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)