Massachusetts: Federal Judge Orders State to Open Gun Shops

[Charlie T Waite]

Last week, NRA joined the Gun Owners’ Action League and filed an Amicus Brief in support of federal court action taken in response to Gov. Baker’s decision to close gun shops in Massachusetts. Governor Baker’s administration has used the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to brazenly threaten our Second Amendment rights by failing to designate gun shops as “Essential Businesses.” 

Today, U.S. Judge Douglas P. Woodlock issued a preliminary injunction to prevent Massachusetts from enforcing the unlawful order. “We don't surrender our constitutional rights. These plaintiffs have constitutional rights that deserve respect and vindication, and it becomes necessary for a court to do that rather than the executive when the executive declines," said Judge Woodlock. 

Judge Woodlock held that Gov. Baker and his administration likely placed an improper burden on the Second Amendment rights of the citizens of Massachusetts by forcing gun shops to close. He ruled that the State must allow gun shops to re-open by noon on Saturday, May 9, 2020, with certain guidelines that will be included in the written order to follow. 

This is breaking and developing news, and as more details become available, we will update NRA members further.