DOJ Probes 100,000 Virginia Gun Checks After Ban Block Spurs Delay Claims

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 29

Harmeet Dhillon said the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is investigating claims that Virginia State Police slowed gun background checks after a judge temporarily blocked the state’s new assault-weapons ban.
Andrew Ferguson and other critics said dealers faced broad delays after the ruling, arguing police were effectively backdoor-enforcing the law while litigation continues.
Virginia State Police denied intentional slow-walking, saying its Firearms Transaction Center processed more than 100,000 transactions in June and is averaging over 5,000 a day amid a surge in applications.
Judge John Martin blocked enforcement of the ban through Dec. 31 in a Lancaster County case, writing the law’s firearm definitions lacked a rational basis because handguns were excluded.
The dispute adds to a wider fight over Virginia’s gun restrictions under Gov. Abigail Spanberger, with supporters calling the ban lifesaving and opponents citing recent Supreme Court wins against similar laws.