Newsom Responds to U.S. Court Blocking Ammo Background Check Law: ‘A Slap in the Face'
A state law meant to tackle rampant gun violence in California has been reversed following a decision made by the Appeals Court yesterday, which ruled the law a violation of the Second Amendment.Governor Newsom issued a statement following the new ruling, saying: 'Strong gun laws save lives — and [yesterday's] decision is a slap in the face to the progress California has made in recent years to keep its communities safer from gun violence. Californians voted to require background checks on ammunition and their voices should matter.'The former law, although passed by voters in 2016, has been in limbo for about seven years through state and federal courts. The fight to appear on the state ballot began in 2015, after the mass shooting in San Bernardino, which killed 14 people at a holiday party. Newsom headed the ballot initiative, in his then role as lieutenant governor, saying it was an answer to minimizing gun violence in California.
Newsom secured the votes, mandating a background check for all ammunition purchases, similar to the background check needed to purchase a handgun. This would flag any attempted consumer with a criminal record, any prior restraining order or dangerous mental illness.But in January 2024, a district court ruled the law unconstitutional — after previous halting and reinstating — forcing the state of California to appeal. The Ninth Circuit panel struck down the law yesterday, in a 2-1 decision. 'By subjecting Californians to background checks for all ammunition purchases, California's ammunition background check regime infringes on the fundamental right to keep and bear arms,' Judge Sandra S. Ikuta wrote in a statement for the two-judge majority decision, obtained by The New York Times.Universal background checks do receive overwhelming bipartisan support, typically ranging from 85 to 90 percent, according to the press announcement from Newsom's office. The report even cited a 2023 poll from Fox News, whom Newsom is actively suing for defamation, showing 87 percent of Americans supporting criminal background checks for anyone purchasing a firearm. The voters approved the law in 2016 with a 63 to 36 percent margin.
This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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