NRA Wins Case Against Los Angeles County

The Ninth Circuit struck down an order that forced gun stores and shooting ranges to close in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

by posted on January 20, 2022
Nra Ila Logo

The Ninth Circuit sided with the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) on Thursday when it struck down a Los Angeles County order that forced gun stores and shooting ranges to close in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. NRA-ILA originally challenged this order in March of 2020, and filed an appeal a year later.

"The court today rightfully recognized that Los Angeles County violated Second Amendment rights when it shut down gun stores and ranges in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Michael Jean, NRA's director of the Office of Litigation Counsel. "This is an important decision. It ensures that California—or any state—cannot use a crisis to trample on the Constitutional rights of citizens."

The decision highlights that these orders, which prevented the exercise of basic constitutional rights like acquiring and practicing with firearms, could have been “perpetually extended if the County so decided.”

Given the current state of the world and the periodic resurgence of COVID-19 continuing to affect daily life, this decision ensures that states cannot restrict the fundamental rights of Americans for any reason. In this spirit, the decision concludes by citing Justice Gorsuch’s words: “Even in times of crisis—perhaps especially in times of crisis—we have a duty to hold governments to the Constitution.”

NRA-ILA also challenged overbearing COVID-19 restrictions in New Mexico and New York. In addition to Los Angeles County, NRA-ILA challenged four additional counties in northern California.

The case is captioned Martinez v. Villanueva. NRA-ILA was joined by local gun stores and ranges, the California Gun Rights Foundation, the Firearms Policy Coalition, and the Second Amendment Foundation in this lawsuit.

Latest

Rao Slug Lede
Rao Slug Lede

How to Slug a Rifle Barrel

In possession of your grandfather's old military rifle? Before you fire it, be sure you know the proper caliber. Here's how to find out.

Be SMART About Your Shooting Goals

You’ll never get anywhere in training if you don’t set goals. But not just any goals—they have to be SMART.

NRA Women on Target® Instructional Clinics: Shooting for Success

It's a new look and new leadership for NRA's women-specific firearm training.

Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry: Pros and Cons

If you live where you can carry either concealed or open, you must choose which way is right for your situation. Here are some factors to help with your decision.

Safe LivinG Tour to Visit Army & Air Force Exchange Service Locations

The 2025 Authentic Tour has stops planned in Texas, Georgia, Kentucky and Maryland.

Join Us for the 2025 Women’s Leadership Forum Brunch & Auction

Be part of this unforgettable gathering of likeminded women at the 154th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.