03/10/2020
for Immediate Release:
(Southbury, CT) – The Connecticut Citizens Defense League along with fellow plaintiffs have filed suit in the United States District Court (Ross v. Mellekas). The suit challenges part of Public Act 13-3 (An Act Concerning Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety) that was enacted by the Connecticut Legislature back in 2013. The plaintiffs are challenging the prohibition on Connecticut residents that makes it illegal to load more than 10 rounds of ammunition into lawfully owned magazines that can hold more. The plaintiffs assert that this prohibition imposes an unconstitutional burden on the right of the people to keep and bear arms. This lawsuit against Connecticut State Police Col. Stavros Mellekas; Commissioner James C. Rovella of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr. alleges violations of both the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.
Both CCDL and the Second Amendment Foundation have members who live in Connecticut and have declared magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition pursuant the law. Members of both CCDL and SAF may face criminal charges or other adverse actions.
Comments from CCDL President Holly Sullivan:
“For most Americans, magazines that hold more than 10 rounds are simply considered standard capacity magazines. Many firearms are not even available with magazines that hold less than ten rounds. In Connecticut, the legislature has redefined those magazines as Large Capacity Magazines. However, many of these magazines are commonly used by most other Americans who own firearms. Law abiding gun owners in Connecticut are left more susceptible to harm or death by being limited in their means of self-defense.”
“Only a law abiding gun owner is going to heed the State’s requirement to load only 10 rounds into a magazine capable of holding more ammunition. Criminals who are intent on doing harm will not follow this same law.”
“The Connecticut Citizens Defense League extends our most sincere gratitude to our fellow plaintiffs for being a part of our enduring fight for justice. We also wish to thank our devoted members, numerous gun clubs, retailers, private individuals and of course the Second Amendment Foundation for their help and support.”
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About the CCDL: The Connecticut Citizens Defense League was formed in 2009 by a small group of concerned citizens as a non-partisan organization to advocate second amendment rights in the state of Connecticut. Since their founding, the group has grown to more than 36,000 members from across the state. Thanks to this large supportive base, the CCDL has become a fixture at the state capitol, and well-recognized by committees that see firearms related bills. As the go-to organization in the state they are consulted regularly by lawmakers who have questions and concerns about pending legislation or existing laws. For more information on the CCDL please visit https://www.ccdl.us.
Press Contact:
Holly Sullivan
Click Here to see a copy of the complaint
