DOJ: Ban on Handgun Sales to 18- Through 20-Year-Olds Unconstitutional, Cannot Be Enforced

DOJ won't enforce handgun ban for 18- to 20-year-olds

The Justice Department said Friday it will not criminally enforce a 1968 federal law barring licensed gun dealers from selling handguns to 18- to 20-year-olds, after its Office of Legal Counsel concluded the restriction violated the Second Amendment. Why it matters: The Trump administration is telling federal prosecutors not to enforce a law passed by Congress, even though the Supreme Court has never ruled on its constitutionality. The decision could give adults under the age of 21 access to the

Sep 18, 2026

Gov. Kathy Hochul Rejects DOJ, Will Continue to Ban Handgun Sales to 18-20 Year-Olds

Despite the DOJ finding a ban on handgun sales to 18-20 year-olds was "unconstitutional," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) made clear such a prohibition will remain in force in her state. The post Gov. Kathy Hochul Rejects DOJ, Will Continue to Ban Handgun Sales to 18-20 Year-Olds appeared first on Breitbart .

Sep 21, 2026

Federal ban on handgun sales for young adults cannot be enforced, DOJ finds

The Justice Department concluded Friday that the federal government cannot criminally enforce a prohibition on licensed dealers selling handguns to law-abiding adults ages 18-20 because the restriction violates the Second Amendment. The department’s Office of Legal Counsel said in a 49-page opinion that young adults are among the people whose right to keep and bear […]

Sep 18, 2026

DOJ: Ban on Handgun Sales to 18- Through 20-Year-Olds Unconstitutional, Cannot Be Enforced

The DOJ announced that the federal ban on handgun sales to 18- through 20-year-olds is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The post DOJ: Ban on Handgun Sales to 18- Through 20-Year-Olds Unconstitutional, Cannot Be Enforced appeared first on Breitbart .

Sep 18, 2026