Maryland Jewish center asks 4th Circuit to allow members to carry guns to prayer for self-defense

The Silver Spring Jewish Center has asked the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to block enforcement of a Maryland law that bars firearms near places of worship. The Orthodox synagogue argues the restriction prevents its members from carrying guns for self-defence amid what it describes as growing threats to Jewish people across the country.

Montgomery County passed the law in July. It prohibits firearms within 100 yards of a “place of public assembly”, including places of worship, schools and government buildings. The centre’s lawsuit says the law violates the First, Second and 14th Amendments and seeks protection from enforcement for the centre and its members.