Assault Weapons: Federal Judge Upholds New York's Expanded Ban A federal judge in New York upheld the state's expanded assault weapons ban Tuesday, raising the possibility that the issue will go before the Supreme Court, The Buffalo News reports. Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny ruled that New York's prohibitions on some semi-automatic weapons and large capacity magazines are in the interest of public safety, and do not violate the Second Amendment. But he struck down a measure in the law that stops gun users from loading a 10-round magazine with more than seven rounds, calling it "tenuous, strained and unsupported." The so-called "SAFE Act," passed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last December in neighboring Connecticut, expands New York's assault weapon ban to include semi-automatic weapons that resemble assault rifles, and magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds. Gun rights activists are expected to appeal the ruling on the challenge, which was brought by the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association. The Buffalo News