DOJ Rejects Handgun Age Ban

The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel concluded that federal statutes barring licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns or handgun ammunition to adults ages 18 to 20 violate the Second Amendment. It said prosecutors may not criminally enforce those statutes against the dealers. The opinion directs federal prosecutors under President Donald Trump not to pursue felony charges under the 1968 age restriction, but it does not repeal the law or bind courts. DOJ said the ban conflicts with Supreme Court gun-rights rulings, including Heller and Bruen. It follows other administration moves easing gun restrictions. Gun-control groups including Giffords and Everytown Law condemned the move as dangerous. The law’s next test is likely in court.