A Maryland synagogue has filed a lawsuit against Montgomery County over a recently enacted law that restricts the carrying of firearms near places of worship. The Silver Spring Jewish Center, represented by the New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA), contends that the law violates the constitutional right to bear arms and endangers its congregants, particularly in the context of increasing antisemitic incidents.
The Montgomery County law, which took effect on July 27, prohibits permit holders from possessing or transporting firearms within 100 yards of a "place of public assembly," including houses of worship. Exceptions are made for law enforcement officers and licensed security guards. The law does not affect firearm possession in private homes or at places of business for owners and authorized employees.
The lawsuit, filed shortly after the law's enactment, asserts that the ban infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of Jewish individuals and leaves them vulnerable. "This ban could not come at a worse time for Montgomery County’s Jewish community," the lawsuit states, referencing recent incidents such as a firebombing in Boulder, an arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, and a shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum. "Montgomery County seeks to deprive Jews of their ability to defend themselves at their most Jewish moment: praying in synagogues."
NCLA argues that the Supreme Court's decision in Wolford v. Lopez, which found Hawaii's law requiring property owner permission for firearms in public businesses unconstitutional, reinforces that states and municipalities cannot deny citizens their Second Amendment rights.
Rabbi J. Menashe Shapiro, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, stated that the Jewish community, both nationally and internationally, supports the legal challenge. He noted that the issue has gained significant attention on Jewish media channels, with many perceiving the law as a genuine threat. Jacob Huebert, NCLA Senior Litigation Counsel, echoed this sentiment, reporting overwhelmingly positive feedback from individuals who view the law as an outrageous measure that disarms religious people facing credible threats.
Prior to the new law, the synagogue had organized a volunteer group of trained, licensed individuals to enhance security following the Oct. 7 attacks. NCLA is seeking a court ruling that declares the law unconstitutional under the First, Second, and Fourteenth Amendments and requests a permanent injunction against its enforcement.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon expressed support for the lawsuit, indicating that the Department of Justice would take action if Montgomery County did not suspend enforcement of the law. Dhillon posted on X, formerly Twitter, that history shows people are particularly vulnerable to armed attacks during worship, and the Civil Rights Division is acting swiftly to challenge the law that disarms congregants in houses of worship.
Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González defended the law, stating that restrictions on weapons in places of worship have been in place for decades. She explained that the provision was not a new addition but part of an update to the county's firearms law to comply with a Maryland Supreme Court decision while retaining strong local firearm restrictions authorized under state law. The county initially declined to comment on the pending litigation.