Judge blocks Colorado law raising age to buy a gun to 21

2024-12-24 03:31:24 source: category:Markets

DENVER (AP) — A federal judge has blocked Colorado from enforcing a new law raising the age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21.

U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer issued a preliminary injunction Monday following a legal challenge by a gun rights group. In a ruling that frequently referenced a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that expanded Second Amendment rights last year, he concluded that the lawsuit brought by Rocky Mountain Gun Owners would likely succeed and barred the state from enforcing the law until the case is resolved.

The law was one of four gun control bills signed by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis in April, following the lead of other states trying to confront a surge in violent crime and mass shootings.

Last year’s Supreme Court decision in a New York case changed a test lower courts had used for evaluating challenges to gun laws, threatening to upend firearms restrictions across the country.

Other news Member of ‘Tennessee Three’ makes move toward 2024 Senate bid Judge rejects attempt to temporarily block Connecticut’s landmark gun law passed after Sandy Hook Both expelled members of ‘Tennessee Three’ win back their state House seats

Colorado’s law effectively sought to prevent those between 18 and 20 from buying rifles and shotguns. A federal law already prevents licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to those under 21 but that ban has also been challenged in light of the Supreme Court decision.

A spokesperson for Polis, Conor Cahill, called the difference in age limits for different types of guns a “loophole.”

“The Governor is working towards his goal of making Colorado one of the ten safest states in the country — and the same age requirements for pistols and rifles would help support responsible gun ownership,” he said.

In a statement, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ executive director, Taylor Rhodes, said the group warned Colorado lawmakers the effort would be struck down in court.

“Today, our crystal ball became a reality. But it doesn’t stop here. We won’t stop fighting until every single unconstitutional anti-gun law is struck down,” Rhodes said.

More:Markets

Recommend

Wreck of Navy destroyer USS Edsall known as 'the dancing mouse' found 80 years after sinking

More than 80 years after it was sunk by Japanese forces during World War II, the U.S. Navy said Mond

Lorne Michaels says Tina Fey could easily replace him at Saturday Night Live

"Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels said he has thought about what might happen when he lea

5 people killed by tractor trailer after leaving vehicles on snowy Pennsylvania highway

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — Five people were struck and killed by a tractor trailer on Interstate 81 in sno