The U.S. Supreme Court has officially granted writs of certiorari for two separate cases challenging local and state bans on semi-automatic firearms, known colloquially in legislation as “assault weapons.” The nation’s highest court will review Viramontes v. Cook County, which originates out of Illinois, alongside Grant v. Higgins, a case centering on restrictions in Connecticut.
The petitions were filed by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), an organization that aims to clarify federal protections for firearm ownership nationwide.
The Illinois-based case, Viramontes v. Cook County, was initially filed back in 2021. It targets a localized ban on various semi-automatic firearms in Cook County, a regulation that later served as the blueprint for Illinois’ subsequent statewide restrictions. In this specific lawsuit, the SAF is partnering with the Firearms Policy Coalition and two private citizens to overturn the rules.
Meanwhile, the Connecticut case, Grant v. Higgins, takes aim at the state’s ban on semi-automatic rifles, which restricts firearms based on specific names as well as physical characteristics and feature sets.
The SAF moved the case to the Supreme Court following a preliminary injunction ruling by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. For the Connecticut challenge, the SAF is joined by the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and three private citizens.
The legal teams involved state that these cases are crucial for establishing a uniform standard across lower courts regarding modern firearms.
“The Supreme Court’s decision to hear these pivotal cases will finally provide the courts the necessary guidance as it relates to the types of arms protected by the Second Amendment,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “The modern semi-automatic rifles banned in Cook County, Connecticut and elsewhere are among the most commonly owned firearms in the country, placing them well within the scope of the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of rifle that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard.”
Opponents of the bans argue that the restrictions unfairly target firearms that are fundamentally similar to other legal models used daily by millions of citizens for self-defense.
“Lawmakers have long relied on fearmongering to pass laws that infringe on the Second Amendment, especially when it comes to common, semi-automatic rifles,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “We’re hopeful the Court will finally put to rest the idea that these rifles are not covered by the Second Amendment simply because of their look and features. These arms are no different than other semi-automatic firearms millions of Americans own for self-defense, and we look forward to restoring the right to keep and bear arms for countless citizens through these cases.”
The Supreme Court’s upcoming review of both the Illinois and Connecticut cases will likely serve as a benchmark decision for secondary firearm regulations across the United States. Dates for the oral arguments have yet to be scheduled.
READ: Supreme Court Passes On Appeal, Securing Gun Carry Rights For Young Pennsylvania Adults
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