Federal Judge Blocks California's Ban on Gun Shows at County Fairs, Cites Rights Violation

Judge's Injunction Halts Enforcement of Two State Laws, Supporters Argue Measures Protect Against Illegal Weapons while Opponents See Rights Violation

• A federal judge, Mark Holcomb, blocked two California laws banning gun shows at county fairs. He ruled that the measures violated the rights of sellers and potential buyers by prohibiting transactions for firearms that can be legally bought at gun shops.
• The laws, written by Democratic state Sen. Dave Min, were enforced starting January 2022 with an expansion in 2023. The 2022 law barred gun shows at the Orange County Fair, while the 2023 law extended the ban to fairs on state-owned lands.
• Judge Holcomb justified his decision by stating California's interest in preventing crimes with illegal weapons cannot justify the complete prohibition of lawful firearms sales at gun shows.
• Opposition to the ban was led by the California Rifle & Pistol Association and other gun rights groups. They argued the ban tried to eliminate the 'gun culture' by banning public gatherings at gun shows to learn about firearms, gun safety, and gun-control politics.
• Despite the ruling, actual purchases of firearms at gun shows must still be completed at a licensed gun store after a 10-day waiting period and a background check due to a separate law unaffected by the judge's decision.

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