Federal ban on handgun sales to those under 21 struck down by judge.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Laws Blocking Handgun Sales to Under-21s

A Victory for Gun Rights Advocates

A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that federal laws preventing the sale of handguns to buyers under the age of 21 violate constitutional rights to possess firearms. The ruling, which is expected to be challenged by the Justice Department, will not take effect until Judge Robert Payne issues his final order in the coming weeks. However, the decision is a significant victory for gun rights advocates.

Supreme Court Expansion of Gun Rights

Judge Payne’s ruling follows the Supreme Court’s expansion of gun rights in the past year, which he frequently referenced in his decision. “Because the statutes and regulations in question are not consistent with our nation’s history and tradition, they, therefore, cannot stand,” Payne wrote in his decision.

Impact of the Ruling

The ruling would not affect the 19 states that have their own laws barring handgun sales to anyone younger than 21. Lawyers representing the Justice Department in the case did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Elliott Harding, the attorney for the four original plaintiffs who were ages 18 to 20 and wanted to purchase handguns, said he was pleased with the decision.

Controversial Issue

Gun rights are a contentious issue in the US, a nation with high levels of firearm violence, including numerous mass shootings. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 210 mass shootings so far in 2023, the most at this point in the year since at least 2016.

Conclusion

This ruling is a significant victory for gun rights advocates, but it is likely to be challenged by the Justice Department. Nevertheless, the decision could have far-reaching implications for gun laws in the US.