Federal judge overturns California’s assault weapons ban

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)  – A federal judge in San Diego has overturned California’s 30-year-old assault weapons ban, calling the law a “failed experiment” that violated the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. District Judge Robert Benitez ruled Friday the state’s definition of illegal military-style unlawfully deprives Californians of firearms commonly in available in most other states.

The state enacted its first restrictions on assault weapons in 1989, with multiple updates since then.

California’s attorney general argues that this type of firearm is more dangerous than others, and is used disproportionately in crimes and mass shootings. But Judge Benitez ruled the guns are overwhelmingly owned for legal purposes.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, (D-Calif.), calls the decision “a direct threat to public safety.”