UPDATE 2: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has granted Maryland’s petition for rehearing in this case.

UPDATE: The Office of the Attorney General has filed a petition (PDF) for a rehearing.

Original story below…

ANNAPOLIS, MD—On Tuesday, the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that Maryland’s Handgun Qualification License requirement is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

Under federal rules, the decision goes into effect in 21 days, with the issuance of the Court’s mandate. The State has 14 days to seek en banc review in the Fourth Circuit. If it does so, the mandate is stayed until such time as such a petition for en banc review is either denied or after an en banc decision, if en banc review is granted.

The State can also seek review in the Supreme Court.

Both sides of the political aisle reacted to Tuesday’s ruling.

Governor Wes Moore (D) issued the following statement regarding the Fourth Circuit Court’s decision:

​“I am disappointed in the Fourth Circuit Court’s decision. This law is not about stripping away rights from responsible gun owners – it’s about every Marylander having the right to live free from fear.

​Common-sense gun laws are critical to protecting all Marylanders from the gun violence that has terrorized our communities. I am determined to do more than just give thoughts and prayers and attend funerals – and that’s why this law is vital to our administration’s commitment to keeping guns out of the wrong hands and saving lives.

Every Marylander has the right to feel safe in their own neighborhood – and I will continue to fight for this law. Our administration is currently looking at all options and reviewing the ruling.”

Rep. Andy Harris (R), meanwhile, issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“Today’s decision by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturning the training provision in Maryland’s law that restricted the ability of law-abiding citizens to own a firearm to defend themselves was the right decision.

In the face of ever-increasing crime in Maryland, every citizen has the Second Amendment right to defend themselves without Maryland’s liberal government interfering with that right.”

The Court’s decision can be viewed online here.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels