Supreme Court Upholds Maryland AR-15, Rhode Island Magazine Bans

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear challenges to Maryland's ban on assault-style rifles, including AR-15s, and Rhode Island's restrictions on high-capacity magazines, effectively allowing both states' laws to remain in place. Maryland's 2013 assault weapons ban, enacted after the Sandy Hook shooting, prohibits the sale and possession of AR-15-style rifles, which are the most popular rifles in the country, with millions in circulation. While the majority of the court refused to take up the cases, Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch dissented, arguing that the court should address the constitutionality of these bans promptly. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who joined the majority in denying review, expressed doubts about the lower court rulings and indicated the Supreme Court will likely consider the issue in the near future. Gun rights advocates expressed disappointment, emphasizing the widespread ownership of such rifles and anticipating further legal battles ahead. The court’s refusal leaves ongoing legal challenges in other states unresolved, signaling the debate over assault-style rifles and magazine restrictions continues at the judicial level.