Federal Judge Blocks California Law That Bans Carrying Firearms in Nearly All Public Places – Issues Scathing Rebuke

A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a newly signed California law that banned people from carrying firearms in virtually all public places.

US District Judge Cormac Carney of the Central District of California, a Bush appointee, granted the ban and issued a scathing statement, ruling that it violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and deprives people of their ability to defend themselves and their loved ones.

The law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September was set to take effect Jan. 1. It would have prohibited people from carrying concealed guns in 26 places including public parks and playgrounds, churches, banks and zoos. The ban would apply whether the person has a permit to carry a concealed weapon or not. One exception would be for privately owned businesses that put up signs saying people are allowed to bring guns on their premises.

U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney granted a preliminary injunction blocking the law, which he wrote was “sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.”