Judge Denies Request for Background Check Enforcement

On June 3, 2026, a judge in the Lynchburg Circuit Court rejected Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones’ request to lift an injunction that prevents the implementation of universal background checks for firearms.

This injunction was first issued in the fall of 2025, having been deemed necessary because it allegedly violated Article 1, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution, which safeguards the right to bear arms. Essentially, it was meant to block the Virginia State Police from enforcing the ban on background checks.

Despite this, after Democrats took control of the Virginia General Assembly in January, they moved forward with a bill to restore background checks. On May 27, 2026, the Virginia State Police announced intentions to perform background checks on private sales, directly defying the ongoing court injunction.

However, the ruling on June 3, 2026, put a stop to these planned checks. The Virginia State Police released a statement indicating that, based on the court’s injunction and final order from the June hearing, they are barred from enforcing the requirements set out in Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2:5.

The lawsuit that prompted this ruling was initiated by Gun Owners of America along with the Virginia Civil Defense League.