Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 18 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of Massachusetts’ assault weapons and large-capacity magazine ban. The brief, filed in Capen v. Campbell, urges the First Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court’s ruling that the law was consistent with the Second Amendment.

“States play an essential role in promoting public safety, and that role must include combating threats of mass shootings and senseless gun violence,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In our ongoing commitment to stand behind commonsense gun safety measures for all Americans, we urge the court to uphold Massachusetts’ ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to defend these life-saving public safety measures.”

The coalition emphasized the importance of protecting citizens through assault weapons and large-capacity magazine restrictions. Research has shown that banning these weapons can help prevent gun violence, particularly mass shootings.

The coalition argued that the lower court’s ruling aligns with the Second Amendment and the nation’s historical tradition of limiting access to especially dangerous weapons and accessories not commonly used for self-defense. They stated that Massachusetts’ restrictions are consistent with measures historically taken by other states.

Attorney General Bonta, along with partners from various states, continues to address gun violence strategically and aggressively by defending California’s gun laws, educating the public on gun violence prevention, advocating for stronger gun laws, seizing guns from prohibited persons, and ending the sale of illegal firearms.

Bonta joined attorneys general from 17 other states and the District of Columbia in filing the brief.

A copy of the brief can be found here.