SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal appeals court has declared unconstitutional a California law that restricts the open carry of firearms in densely populated counties, reigniting the ongoing national dialogue surrounding gun rights. The ruling was made by a two-judge majority of a three-member panel at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and was announced on Friday.

The judges determined that the state’s restriction on open carry, which applies only to counties with populations exceeding 200,000, contradicts the Second Amendment. They emphasized that California’s regulations effectively prohibit open carry in urban areas where the vast majority of residents reside.

“California’s legal framework represents a near-total ban on open carry in urban settings, which accommodate about 95% of the state’s population,” the panel noted in its decision. However, a dissenting judge argued that limiting open carry in more populated regions is justifiable, given that concealed carry permits are still available throughout California.

This ruling is part of a broader contentious debate on gun legislation within California and across the United States, where restrictions have been implemented amid rising concerns over public safety and gun violence. The case was initiated by Mark Baird, a resident of Siskiyou County, who sought judicial intervention to restore the longstanding tradition of open carry in the state.

Chuck Michel, the president of the California Rifle and Pistol Association, expressed anticipation that state officials may pursue a review of the decision from the full appeals court. He described the ruling as a notable opinion, highlighting the relevance of a recent Supreme Court decision that broadened gun rights in the context of the case.

In response to the ruling, the office of Governor Gavin Newsom reiterated its commitment to crafting laws that align with the Second Amendment. In a social media statement, the administration asserted that recent efforts had successfully removed military-style firearms from urban areas.

“The Ninth Circuit’s decision, shaped by Republican activists, threatens to replace removed military-grade weapons with ordinary firearms, evoking a regression to a lawless era,” the statement warned.

This decision marks a significant chapter in California’s ongoing struggle to balance gun rights with public safety, as appeals and legislative reactions are expected in the near future.