The federal lawsuit alleges D.C. policies restricting firearm ownership are unconstitutional.
The Justice Department (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia (D.C.) and its Metropolitan Police Department, stating that current firearm registration practices restrict access to certain firearms in violation of the Second Amendment. The suit contends that the metropolis’ broad prohibition on registering specific firearms forces residents to choose between surrendering their weapons or risking arrest, even when the firearms are otherwise legal.
The complaint references the Supreme Court’s 2008 Heller decision, which affirmed an individual’s right to possess firearms for lawful purposes such as self-defense. Justice Department officials stated the lawsuit seeks to address what they describe as a continuing pattern of enforcement that conflicts with constitutional standards and previous court rulings.
“This Civil Rights Division will defend American citizens from unconstitutional restrictions of commonly used firearms, in violation of their Second Amendment rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon. “The newly established Second Amendment Section filed this lawsuit to ensure that the very rights D.C. resident Mr. Heller secured 17 years ago are enforced today — and that all law-abiding citizens seeking to own protected firearms for lawful purposes may do so.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Assistant Attorney General Dhillon as she oversees the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
- For federal officials as they seek to uphold constitutional rights and liberties.
- For judges to be prudent in their interpretation and application of federal law in the face of D.C. firearm regulations.
Sources: Department of Justice
