SILVER SPRING, Md. (VINnews) — An Orthodox synagogue in Maryland has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Montgomery County firearms ordinance that bars congregants and volunteers from carrying firearms in houses of worship and other designated “places of public assembly.”
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The lawsuit, filed Thursday by the Silver Spring Jewish Center and Rabbi J. Menashe Shapiro, names Montgomery County, County Executive Marc Elrich, Police Chief Marc Yamada and State’s Attorney John McCarthy as defendants.
The complaint challenges Expedited Bill 23-26, which was signed into law by Elrich on July 27 and took effect immediately. The measure prohibits licensed individuals from possessing or carrying firearms inside or within 100 yards of “places of public assembly,” including houses of worship, parks, schools, libraries, hospitals, government buildings and polling places.
The plaintiffs argue the ordinance violates the First, Second and Fourteenth Amendments by preventing synagogue members from defending themselves while attending religious services and by interfering with what they describe as religious obligations concerning communal self-defense. They are seeking a court declaration that the law is unconstitutional and an injunction blocking its enforcement.
According to the complaint, the synagogue organized an armed volunteer security team following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel amid heightened concerns over antisemitic violence. The filing cites an alleged assault on a visibly Jewish congregant outside the synagogue in October 2024 and an attempted break-in at the synagogue in June 2026 as examples of security threats facing the congregation.
The lawsuit states that the synagogue’s security team is composed primarily of volunteer congregants, many of whom are military veterans who have obtained Maryland permits to carry firearms and regularly train together. It argues that relying on members of the congregation for security is preferred under Jewish law and that the new ordinance disrupts the synagogue’s established security plan.
Rabbi Shapiro, who is representing himself in addition to being represented by counsel for the synagogue, alleges that his religious beliefs require him to personally carry a firearm for the protection of himself, his family and the Jewish community. The complaint says he holds a Maryland Wear and Carry permit but can no longer legally carry a firearm while walking to synagogue because his route passes within 100 yards of multiple schools, parks and other houses of worship covered by the ordinance.
The plaintiffs argue the ordinance improperly singles out houses of worship, burdens the free exercise of religion, infringes on the autonomy of religious institutions, violates the constitutional right to bear arms and denies equal protection under the law. They contend the county could pursue public safety through less restrictive means.
The lawsuit asks the court to declare the firearms restrictions unconstitutional, permanently block their enforcement, award nominal damages against Montgomery County, and order the county to pay attorney’s fees and court costs.
Only criminals have rights.
But correct me if I’m wrong, unless this is a amendment to the law. The law was that even though synagogues etc. cannot carry a gun. But if the congregation specifically allows it, then is okay
If the law really says it is unlawful to CARRY a firearm, put the firearm in a stroller and wheel it from location to location. Also, is one carrying a firearm if he holds it in his hand and stands still? Just saying.
Goyish laws were meant to be broken.