What: Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a new federal lawsuit, McDonald v. Katz, after Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation to ban so-called “assault firearms” and “large capacity” magazines. FPC is seeking a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the Virginia bans as well as other relief.

Who: The plaintiffs challenging the ban include two individual FPC members, the National Rifle Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. The plaintiffs are represented by David Thompson, Peter Patterson, and William Bergstrom of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, along with P. Thomas DiStanislao and Michael Brady of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP.

When: The complaint was filed on May 14, 2026. Likely next steps include an answer from the defendant and a briefing schedule from the District Court.

Where: The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Why: The Virginia ban unconstitutionally prohibits the exercise of rights protected under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, including by prohibiting the acquisition of semi-automatic “assault firearms” and standard-capacity magazines that can hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. 

Quote: “FPC just filed a federal lawsuit to put an end to tyrant Governor Abigail Spanberger's radical assault on the People of Virginia. Spanberger's insane law criminalizes constitutionally protected conduct and bans arms the Second Amendment protects. We're going to force Governor Spanberger and other government thugs to follow the Constitution and respect the Second Amendment, full stop. We'll fight forward to end these laws throughout the United States-whatever it takes,” said FPC President Brandon Combs.

About Firearms Policy Coalition

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) is a nonprofit membership organization that exists to create a world of maximal individual liberty and eliminate unconstitutional gun control laws. FPC works—and wins—for the People through high-impact strategic litigation, groundbreaking research, legislative and regulatory advocacy, grassroots activism, education, and public engagement. FPC’s legal division, FPC Law, is the nation’s leading initiative dedicated to restoring the right to keep and bear arms across the United States. To learn more about how FPC is working—and winning—for the People, sign up for FPC news alerts at firearmspolicy.org and follow FPC on X, Instagram, and Facebook.