Appeals panel says California's ban on open carry is unconstitutional
ABC News••general
Key Points:
- A federal appeals panel ruled that California's law banning open carry of firearms in counties with populations over 200,000 is unconstitutional, citing inconsistency with the Second Amendment.
- The decision, made by two judges of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, highlighted that the ban affects urban areas where 95% of California's population resides.
- A dissenting judge argued that California's allowance of concealed carry statewide justifies limiting open carry in more populated regions.
- The ruling followed a lawsuit by Mark Baird challenging the state's open carry restrictions and is expected to be reviewed by the full appeals court.
- Governor Gavin Newsom's office defended the law, emphasizing public safety and criticizing the ruling as a step
