News

Actions

Judge refuses to block Northam's COVID-19 executive orders

Ralph Northam
Posted at 5:08 AM, Jul 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-21 05:08:21-04

RICHMOND, Va. - A federal judge has refused to temporarily block enforcement of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive orders aimed at reducing COVID-19’s spread.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. also on Monday scheduled an Aug. 27 trial date for a Loudoun County businessman’s lawsuit challenging the executive orders.

Jon Tigges, owner of the Zion Springs vineyard and wedding venue, is represented by Chap Petersen, an attorney who also is a state senator.

Petersen and Northam are both Democrats. The suit claims the governor’s COVID-19 restrictions exceed his emergency powers.