Trump DOJ Challenges California Glock Ban, Threatens More Suits Over Private-Property Gun Laws
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 1
Trump DOJ Challenges California Glock Ban, Threatens More Suits Over Private-Property Gun Laws
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 1
Summary
California’s Glock-style handgun ban drew a fresh Justice Department challenge on Wednesday, extending a broader push that already included lawsuits against California and Virginia over new gun restrictions.
The DOJ also warned it could sue California and other states that bar handgun possession on private property without the owner’s consent after the Supreme Court struck down a similar Hawaii law last week.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said states enforcing those limits “should be sued,” signaling more federal action against gun laws the administration says violate the Second Amendment.
Gavin Newsom condemned the federal challenge, saying California’s gun-safety laws save lives, while Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office said it would defend the state’s legislation.
Will the Supreme Court's next ruling create a final, nationwide standard for owning common modern firearms?
As federal and state governments clash over gun laws, what does this mean for citizen safety?
With federal enforcement shifting, how can local authorities effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms?
Federal Government Challenges Virginia and California Gun Restrictions: DOJ Lawsuits Target Assault Weapons and Glock Bans
Overview
On July 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched major federal lawsuits against Virginia and California, challenging their state gun laws. The DOJ argues that these laws, including Virginia’s assault weapons ban, unconstitutionally restrict citizens’ rights to own commonly used firearms like AR-15-style rifles. By filing these lawsuits, the DOJ is taking a proactive stance to enforce the Second Amendment and protect the right to bear arms. The DOJ claims that enforcing such bans would unlawfully deprive citizens of their constitutional rights, highlighting a significant federal pushback against state-level firearm regulations.