Federal Judge Strikes Down D.C.’s Concealed-Carry Scheme

posted on May 19, 2016

The District of Columbia’s continued effort to ban the right to keep and bear arms suffered another blow yesterday when a federal judge issued an injunction prohibiting D.C. from requiring lawful citizens to show “good reason” before being granted a permit to carry a firearm. 

U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon found the law violated the “core right of self-defense,” and quoted the Supreme Court’s decision in D.C. v. Heller in his 46-page opinion: “The enshrinement of constitutional rights necessarily takes certain policy choices off the table.” Judge Leon also reinforced the right to carry arms for self-protection, writing that the Second Amendment “Is Not Limited to the Home.” 

The 2008 Heller decision struck down D.C.’s handgun ban and affirmed an individual right to keep and bear arms. In response, the D.C. city council drafted a ban on carrying firearms in public, which was struck down in 2014. D.C. then instituted a restrictive licensing scheme that issued practically zero licenses—which the judge ruled was a de facto ban.

Latest

Beretta 92XI
Beretta 92XI

Gun Review | Beretta 92XI

Fans of both the 1911 and the iconic Beretta 92 are going to find a friend in this introduction.

Americans Are Taking Their Safety Into Their Own Hands

Across the country, Americans are waking up to something citizens of this nation have long known: You need to be your own first responder.

John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director, Discusses Our Biggest Legislative Battles

There are still many battles ahead in the defense of our Second Amendment and NRA-ILA is always leading the charge.

From Bad to Worse for Canadian Gun Owners?

Just when you think things couldn’t get any worse for beleaguered Canadian gun owners, that’s exactly what happens.

The Armed Citizen® May 9, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms

SCOTUS Considers PLCAA As Anti-Gun Lawfare Returns With a Vengeance

The PLCAA was passed nearly two decades ago. It is now under attack from a new generation of anti-gun litigants seeking to exploit loopholes.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.