Maryland county halts criminal enforcement of gun ban near houses of worship

Montgomery County, Maryland, has halted criminal enforcement of a new law prohibiting firearms within 100 yards of houses of worship while a lawsuit challenging the measure is pending. The county informed a federal court on Tuesday that police will not issue criminal citations under the disputed provisions until the matter is fully resolved. The lawsuit was filed by the Silver Spring Jewish Center and congregants who argue the law, signed July 27, prevents volunteers from protecting their synagogue. Rabbi Menashe Shapiro, a plaintiff, stated, "The county passed a law their own prosecutor thinks is probably unconstitutional and certainly dangerous." While criminal enforcement is paused, the county did not rule out civil citations and monetary fines, though it indicated such enforcement is unlikely. The plaintiffs hope the court will provide full relief from any prosecution.