US Justice Department calls ban on handgun sales under 21 unconstitutional — The Hindu
The US Department of Justice said that the federal ban on licensed gun dealers selling handguns to people under the age of 21 is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. This is stated in a legal opinion released on Friday, September 19, 2026.
Justice Department opinion
The opinion was prepared by the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. It states that the provision intended to make it more difficult for people aged 18 to 20 to purchase handguns contradicts the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. This was reported by The Hindu International, citing the Associated Press.
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Further actions by the administration
The law applies specifically to the sale of handguns by licensed gun dealers. It has already been the subject of various court rulings following a landmark US Supreme Court decision that changed the legal landscape regarding firearms.
As follows from the document, the Trump administration will not defend this provision in court and will not pursue cases under it.
