Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

VA: DOJ sues Virginia over weapons ban that took effect Wednesday
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Virginia legislation banning the sale and manufacture of certain semi-automatic firearms took effect Wednesday, and the U.S. Department of Justice didn't waste time filing a lawsuit alleging the new law is unconstitutional.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed the legislation earlier this year. The ban makes it a misdemeanor, for people to buy, sell, transfer, import or manufacture an assault firearm. This charge could be punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

In a press release from the DOJ, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the constitutionality of the new law.

Justice Department threatens lawsuits over state gun laws after Second Amendment win at Supreme Court
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche threatened lawsuits against four states that have gun restrictions similar to the Hawaii law that the Supreme Court struck down last week.

He also warned states considering laws that mirror Hawaiis that they could face Justice Department lawsuits as well, as the Trump administration has made challenges to firearm regulations a priority, including with two new lawsuits announced Wednesday.

If we have to sue them, of course, we will, and they should be sued, Blanche said at a news conference Wednesday. But it shouldnt take this Department of Justice telling a state theyre violating the Constitution when the Supreme Court told them they were.

Trump administration sues California, Virginia over new gun laws
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The Trump administration sued California and Virginia on Wednesday over new laws in both states that restrict the sale of semiautomatic firearms.

The two separate lawsuits filed by the Justice Department in federal court say the laws violate the Second Amendment.

The Constitution is not a suggestion, and the Second Amendment is not a second-class right, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a news release announcing the lawsuit against Virginia.

DOJ Sues California Over Glock Ban And Handgun Roster
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The Trump Justice Department has sued California to stop the states new Glock ban and major parts of its restrictive Handgun Roster, arguing that California is violating the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners.

The lawsuit, United States v. California and Robert Bonta, was filed July 1, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. It names the State of California and Attorney General Rob Bonta in his official capacity as head of the California Department of Justice.

This is not just another private gun-rights lawsuit. This is the United States government suing California and saying, in plain terms, that enforcing these handgun restrictions amounts to a civil-rights violation.

OH: No charges filed after fatal shooting in Cincinnati caught on video
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Cincinnati police say a man accused of fatally shooting another man in Walnut Hills on Tuesday will not face charges at this time.

A spokesperson for Cincinnati police told Local 12 the decision was made during discussions with the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office.

Videos posted on social media show the tense moments leading up to the shooting in what many people online are calling an act of self-defense.

From an apartment overlooking the scene, a man recorded the altercation as punches were thrown in the driveway of a building on Kemper Lane. Gregory Tolliver, 47, was killed. The shooter has not been identified.

Supreme Court to decide fate of state and local gun bans in major second amendment showdown Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
The Supreme Court announced Tuesday it will consider whether states and local governments can ban semiautomatic rifles like the AR-15. The court will review two challenges to bans in Cook County, Illinois, and the state of Connecticut in its next session, which begins in October. Doug Hamlin, CEO of the National Rifle Association, supported the high court taking the cases.

CA: DOJ Challenges Californias Sale Ban Glock-Style Handguns
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday to coincide with the first day of AB 1127 going into effect. The law bans licensed firearm dealers from selling certain semiautomatic handguns, specifically Glock-style pistols. The legislation reclassifies such handguns as machinegun-convertible pistols due to trigger designs that can be quickly altered into fully automatic weapons.

The law strictly impacts commercial sales of fresh store inventory, while current ownership and private-party transfers remain legal.

VA: Federal government sues Virginia over assault weapons ban
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday challenging Virginias new restrictions on AR-15-style rifles, arguing the states law violates the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners and asking a judge to block enforcement.

Just as the Second Amendment is not a second-class right, the AR-15 is not a second-class arm, said Assistant Attorney General of the United States Harmeet Dhillon. As promised, [the DOJ Civil Rights Division] is moving fast to vindicate Virginians rights to acquire the most popular rifle in the country for self-defense.

PA: Supreme Court Denies Cert in 18-20 Carry Case, SAF Win Stands
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The U.S. Supreme Court handed the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) a victory today by declining to hear a case brought by the organization to vindicate the firearm carry rights of young adults in Pennsylvania. By refusing to take the case, SAFs victory in Third Circuit Court of Appeals is now final.

The Third Circuit twice ruled in SAFs favor, finding that adults under 21 are indeed members of the People as contemplated by the Second Amendment, and therefore enjoy the same scope of rights as all other adults. The ruling struck down a portion of Pennsylvanias carry regime which prevented young adults from being able to carry firearms during declared states of emergency.

SCOTUS Will Decide Constitutionality Of So-Called Assault Weapons Bans
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

On the heels of a big Second Amendment victory for gun owners in Hawaii, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear two cases challenging state and local assault weapons bans later this year.

The cases dispute laws in Illinois and Connecticut, questioning the constitutionality of banning AR-15 platform and similar semi-automatic rifles under the Second and 14th Amendments. Grant v. Higgins and Viramontes v. Cook County will be heard together in the Supreme Courts October 2026 term.

The Ultimate Showdown: Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Challenges to State Assault Weapons Bans
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The long-awaited constitutional evaluation of the nations most popular rifle platform is officially underway. Just days after closing out a dramatic judicial term with significant pro-Second Amendment victories, the Supreme Court announced it will take up two consolidated challenges to local and statewide semiautomatic rifle bans.

The justices will review a decades-old ordinance in Cook County, Illinois, alongside a sweeping Connecticut state law that was significantly expanded following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. ...will determine whether the AR-15 and similar platforms are protected under the core text of the Second Amendment or if they can be heavily restricted as dangerous and unusual weapons of war.

AL: Salem Drive shooting believed to be self-defense; investigation ongoing
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is continuing to investigate an early morning shooting in the 200 block of Salem Drive that is currently believed to have been an act of self-defense.

On Wednesday, July 1, around 3 a.m., HPD officers responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Salem Drive. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation by HPDs Violent Crimes Unit found that the injured man unlawfully entered the home while armed with a firearm. During the incident, he allegedly threatened the occupants inside the residence before one of them fired a weapon in self-defense.

HI: Nanakuli stabbing suspect freed after self-defense ruling
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Honolulu prosecutors have dropped all charges against a woman arrested in an alleged stabbing at Zablan Beach.

Honolulu police released the 36-year-old woman after prosecutors determined she acted in self-defense. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) arrested her on suspicion of attempted murder after three women were allegedly involved during an argument over the weekend.

Witnesses said the argument was over parking at the beach park.

The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) treated the three women for serious injuries.

CA: DOJ Sues Two States Over Gun Laws
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The Justice Department has sued California over its new Glock ban and the Commonwealth of Virginia over a law banning a common semi-automatic rifle.

The first lawsuit also seeks to prevent enforcement of the states Handgun Roster a list limiting legal firearms that individuals may purchase.

The United States challenges both as unlawful under the Second Amendment.

The Second Amendment is a sacred right belonging to all Americans, even those in California. California cannot ban the most popular type of handgun in America, said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. We will work to stop this blatant trampling of our rights by the California government to protect the rights of lawful gun owners.

VA: DOJ Sues Virginia Over AR-15 Ban Targeting Commonly Owned Rifles
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Supreme Court takes up challenges to AR-15 bans
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

A Supreme Court that has expanded gun rights will consider whether bans on semiautomatic rifles, often called assault weapons, violate the Second Amendment.

The justices said Tuesday they will hear appeals challenging bans on the AR-15 and similar semiautomatic firearms in Connecticut and the Chicago area.

Similar laws are in place in about a dozen states, covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Congress allowed a national assault weapons ban to expire in 2004, but Democrats have supported renewing it in response to a series of mass shootings. States have also continued to pass their own laws, including recent measures in Virginia and Rhode Island.

PA: Suspect claims self-defense in Carbon shooting that police call unreasonable and not justified
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Munro was involved in an argument with a man who lives there, police said. The resident admitted punching Munro through the open drivers side window of a car in which Munro was seated, police said.

The resident was preparing to strike Munro a second time when Munro, still seated in the vehicle, fired the single shot, according to investigators.

The victim retreated into his home and instructed his wife to dial 911, police said.

Munro also spoke with Carbon County emergency dispatch, indicating he had just shot the victim during a dispute, court records say. He agreed to secure the firearm in the cars glove compartment prior to police arrival, police said.

Munro told responding troopers he acted in self-defense, ...

FL: Walmart parking space argument ends in deadly shooting
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Diguglielmo could be seen approaching the woman while she stood next to her car. The woman pointed the gun at Diguglielmo, who at one point raised his arms in the air. At some point in the confrontation, the woman walked around another car in the lot, away from Diguglielmo, who then walked after her to follow her around the car. There was no audio in the dashcam video shared on social media.

While still pointing the gun, Diguglielmo walked away from the woman briefly, the dashcam video shared on social media showed.

In the separate cellphone video, the woman could be heard telling Diguglielmo to walk away as he walked toward her. One gunshot could be heard as the woman stood facing Diguglielmo and pointing the gun at him.

CA: DOJ Sues to Stop Californias GLOCK Ban and End Its State-Approved Handgun Roster
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The Civil Rights Division will defend law-abiding citizens from states that seek to disarm them illegally, said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. This lawsuit is yet another example of this Justice Department enforcing the Second Amendment by protecting citizens against unconstitutional state regulation of firearms.

The DOJ said Californias new law would ban the retail purchase of common handguns manufactured by Glock and guns with similar firing mechanisms. The states existing Handgun Roster further limits the types of handguns citizens can lawfully purchase in California.

DOJ targets Spanberger, Newsom gun laws with twin lawsuits after SCOTUS affirms Second Amendment rights
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The Justice Department escalated its push against state gun restrictions Wednesday, filing lawsuits against California and Virginia just a week after the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the Second Amendment is not a second-class right in its decision in Wolford v. Lopez.

The coordinated legal challenges target Democratic-backed firearm laws in both states, with the department seeking to block Californias restrictions on the sale of new Glock-style semiautomatic pistols and Virginias ban on the manufacture, sale, transfer and purchase of certain semiautomatic firearms classified as assault weapons.

SCOTUS keeps papering over the antiquated Second Amendment
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

In Wolford v. Lopez, a 6-3 ruling issued June 25 against a Hawaii law not allowing individuals to carry guns without permission onto private property open to the public, such as grocery stores, gas stations and hotels, the Court put the burden on property owners to post notice, or somehow otherwise communicate, that guns are not allowed on their property.

Ed.: As has been the common law since the founding, for everything, not just guns, until HI tried to invert it. 'No shoes, No shirts, No service'.

NRA official says Supreme Court challenge could reshape state assault weapons bans
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Gun rights advocates are closely watching the Supreme Court after the justices agreed to hear a challenge to Cook County, Illinois' assault weapons ban, a case that could have broad implications for similar laws across the country.

...

Speaking with The National News Desk, John Commerford, executive director of the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action, said he believes the Court's recent Second Amendment decisions have laid the groundwork for further rulings in favor of gun rights.

Ed.: Article makes it seem like NRA cases, but they aren't. FPC & SAF partnered on _Viramontes_, and SAF & CCDL partnered on _Grant_. The two cases have been consolidated.

Supreme Court Grants Cert in Two SAF Assault Weapons Cases
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted two of the Second Amendment Foundations (SAF) petitions for a writ certiorari in both Viramontes v. Cook County (No. 25-238) and Grant v. Higgins (No. 25-566), the organizations challenges to the bans on so-called assault weapons in Illinois and Connecticut.

Originally filed in 2021, Viramontes challenges Cook Countys ban on many commonly owned modern guns, which was the precursor for the nearly identical statewide ban passed by the Illinois legislature. In Grant, SAF is challenging Connecticuts ban on commonly owned semi-automatic rifles both by name and by feature set.

The Supreme Court Agrees To Address the Constitutionality of 'Assault Weapon' Bans
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Last year, the Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Maryland's "assault weapon" ban, which covers some of the most popular rifles sold in the United States, including the AR-15. "Given that millions of Americans own AR15s and that a significant majority of the States allow possession of those rifles," Justice Brett Kavanaugh said at the time, "petitioners have a strong argument that AR15s are in 'common use' by law-abiding citizens and therefore are protected by the Second Amendment."

Although Kavanaugh nevertheless voted against granting that petition, he said "this Court should and presumably will address the AR15 issue soon, in the next Term or two."

NY: Supreme Court ruling on Hawaiis Vampire Rule gun law could overturn similar New York law for concealed carry
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Cory Missell, senior counsel with the law firm Tully Rinckey, explains how similar New Yorks law is to Hawaiis law that was struck down, saying the two laws are essentially the same in every way thats relevant to the Supreme Court decision.

Any public facing private property in Hawaii, it was required that any concealed carry owner get permission from the land owner in order to, go on that land, said Missell.

The Supreme Court did strike that down as unconstitutional, a violation of the Second Amendment right to carry and bear arms. New York does have a similar piece of legislation, Missell said.

Theres no word on if or when New Yorks law may be overturned.

Ed.: NY's rule is permanently enjoined, for now.

Supreme Court Takes Up FPC Lawsuit to Strike Down "Assault Weapon" Bans Nationwide
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court granting review in FPC's Viramontes v. Cook County, Illinois lawsuit challenging the County's ban on so-called "assault weapons" as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment:

"Moments ago, the Supreme Court granted review in an FPC case challenging Cook County's ban on semiautomatic rifles. This is not the end of the fight to eliminate bans on so-called 'assault weapons,' but it marks the end of the beginning. For years, the FPC Grassroots Army has fought hard to bring this question to the Supreme Court, and now the time has come to march forward and reclaim the rights that were immorally taken from us.