Former Governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Jim Gilmore hailed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Thursday to overturn the District of Columbia’s ban on possessing a firearm as a victory for the Second Amendment.

He says, “Like all Virginia gun owners, sportsmen and hunters I am pleased by the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the unconstitutional ban on possessing a firearm.”

Gilmore, a member of the Board of Directors for the National Rifle Association, has been an outspoken advocate for the Second Amendment.

“I have always believed that personal and responsible firearm ownership is a fundamental right guaranteed to us by the Constitution and we must only punish those who use firearms illegally to commit crimes," says Gilmore. "As Virginia’s U.S. Senator, I will vote to ensure the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens are never infringed upon by the Federal government.”

Gilmore notes, “Today is another reminder of the necessity of appointing strict constructionist judges who properly interpret the Constitution.”