A federal judge struck down laws barring 18-to-20-year-olds from buying handguns as unconstitutional.
The lawsuit was brought by John Corey Fraser after he was denied purchasing a handgun from a federally-licensed dealer at age 20. Three others joined the suit.
On Wednesday, Virginia district Judge Robert Payne found no clear precedent for the law.
Because the statutes and regulations in question are not consistent with our Nation’s history and tradition, they, therefore, cannot stand.
Last year’s Supreme Court decision on the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen was key in the judge’s reasoning. He says rights must be understood as the people would have interpreted them. He found that 18-year-olds were able to join the militia, which means nothing should restrict their right to bear arms.
Gun-control advocates say the decision will increase gun access for the population most at fault for mass shootings. The Justice Department is expected to appeal.