Supreme Court turns away a 2nd Amendment challenge to blue-state bans on assault weapons

In Washington, the Supreme Court, with a close vote, declined to review a challenge to bans on semiautomatic rifles in Maryland, California, and other blue states. Gun rights advocates argued that the 2nd Amendment protects the ownership of AR-15s by law-abiding citizens. However, they fell short of the votes needed for a hearing. Justices Thomas, Alito Jr., and Gorsuch voted to hear the challenge, but Justice Kavanaugh did not provide the crucial fourth vote. The decision to not hear the case suggests that the majority, including Chief Justice Roberts, is not yet prepared to overturn state laws restricting semiautomatic guns. Laws in Maryland and Rhode Island, as well as other states, banning the sale or possession of certain firearms, including assault weapons, will remain in effect. The case tested the boundaries of the 2nd Amendment and the right to bear arms. Discussions around the ban on semiautomatic weapons have been ongoing for years, with opinions divided between gun rights advocates and those advocating for stricter regulations.