Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) responded to the Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in Snope v. Brown, a legal challenge to Maryland’s ban on AR-15s.

While the Court declined to take up the case at this time, Justice Brett Kavanaugh issued a significant statement noting that the Supreme Court “should address [these] issues in the next Term or two.” GOA and GOF had filed an amicus brief in the Snope case, urging the Court to hear it—and we are deeply disappointed by the denial. As Justice Thomas warned, until the Court is “vigilant in enforcing” the Second Amendment, the right to keep and bear arms will remain “a second-class right.”

It is reckless and dangerous for the Court to allow tyrannical AR-15 bans to stand for even another year or two. Millions of law-abiding Americans are being stripped of their rights while courts below defy Bruen and invent new tests to uphold unconstitutional laws.

Fortunately, GOA and GOF are not waiting idly. Our legal team is now litigating FFLs of Illinois v. Pritzker, where we secured a permanent injunction against Illinois’ sweeping rifle and magazine bans. That case is currently on appeal in the Seventh Circuit and stands as one of the best-positioned challenges to be taken up by the Supreme Court. When the justices are ready, we’ll be there with the strongest possible case. In the meantime, GOA will continue to lobby Congress, the Trump Administration, and state governments to protect and restore the Second Amendment.

Sam Paredes, on behalf of the Board of Directors for Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: “While we are disappointed the Court did not take up Snope now, Justice Kavanaugh’s statement shows that the justices know the constitutionality of AR-15 bans must be resolved—and soon. GOA and GOF are proud to be leading the charge. When the Court is ready, our FFLs of Illinois case will be at the front of the line, perfectly positioned to deliver a knockout blow to these unconstitutional bans.”

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: “The fight doesn’t end with Snope—it accelerates. We’re grateful to have Justice Kavanaugh reaffirm that the High Court will soon address these issues, and GOA is more than ready. We’re preparing for final disposition in a case that hopefully will force the Supreme Court to defend the plain meaning of the Second Amendment. This is our moment, and gun owners can count on us to lead.”

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.