A senior official has revealed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Trump administration plans to bring a Second Amendment case before the Supreme Court, as reported on Monday.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon mentioned that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, established on December 4, 2025, is pursuing a lawsuit against Denver. Dhillon emphasized that there is a strategic approach behind this case. “We’re pinpointing areas where new laws can be supported to ultimately prompt definitive Supreme Court rulings,” she stated.
Some jurisdictions have implemented bans on magazines and firearms, which, according to Dhillon, infringes on the Second Amendment rights of countless Americans. “The Division will continue to challenge these jurisdictions to protect constitutional rights,” she added.
The Supreme Court often steps in when there is a disagreement between appellate circuits, known as a “circuit split.” Currently, bans on semi-automatic weapons in Denver and magazine restrictions in Colorado fall under scrutiny in the 10th Circuit, creating a potential conflict with the 4th Circuit, which upheld Maryland’s similar bans.
Dhillon acknowledged that there are far more potentially unconstitutional gun laws than what the Second Amendment can tackle at once. “There are numerous targets throughout the country,” she reflected. “We are aware of many trends, and we engage at gun shows and events. However, we must prioritize based on our available resources and other DOJ commitments.”
Each time Dhillon announces a new action, she faces criticism about what else should be addressed. “The reality is we can’t pursue every issue; we have to focus on those that will have the most significant impact,” she remarked.
The Second Amendment was reaffirmed in a presidential order on February 7, 2025, under then-President Trump, which instructed the DOJ to review and protect Second Amendment rights vigorously. Dhillon pointed out that many attorneys in the Civil Rights Division are experts in various fields, facilitating the formation of a specialized unit focused on enforcing the Second Amendment.
When joining the department, they added more experienced attorneys and hired an expert in Second Amendment cases to help lead these efforts. “There’s a lot of excitement about what we are doing,” Dhillon said.
Moreover, the Office for Civil Rights is currently examining how various jurisdictions handle concealed carry permit applications. Dhillon also highlighted that police cannot revoke these permits simply based on arbitrary decisions by licensing authorities.
Frustration exists among some Second Amendment advocates regarding the DOJ’s stance on certain legal challenges. Eric Pratt, from the American Gun Owners Association, expressed disappointment over the DOJ’s opposition to lawsuits. “Since President Trump took office, there have been repeated violations regarding the ownership of firearm suppressors and short-barreled firearms,” he stated during Senate testimony.
Responding to this backlash, Dhillon noted that much of the discontent directed at the Trump DOJ is misplaced, insisting the Second Amendment section is open to input from gun owners and advocacy groups. “While policy differences are understood, discussions about laws should commence in Congress, not within the DOJ,” she explained. She also mentioned that decisions on which laws to enforce are left to other teams within the department.
Several states, including California, Maryland, Connecticut, and New York, have enacted laws banning the sale of Glock pistols due to their potential to be modified into machine guns. Virginia has also implemented a ban on modern semi-automatic weapons, while Colorado is moving toward introducing a permit system for purchasing designated “assault weapons.”
While Dhillon did not specify which cases would be pursued next, she encouraged private individuals to utilize their work in litigating against similar laws. The aim, she asserted, is straightforward: “Every law-abiding American who wishes to acquire a firearm for legitimate purposes should be able to do so without delay.” In Washington, D.C., she noted it took less than a week to receive a concealed carry permit.
“We aim for the Supreme Court to clarify that AR-15s and similar rifles are popular and necessary for law-abiding citizens. It’s vital to secure a decisive ruling that dismantles conflicting laws nationwide,” she concluded.
