Justice Department will not enforce handgun ban for 18- to 20-year-olds
Axios · September 18, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
The Justice Department announced it will not criminally enforce a federal law that prohibits licensed gun dealers from selling handguns to individuals aged 18 to 20. This decision follows a legal opinion stating that the restriction violates the Second Amendment.
Why it matters
This decision has the potential to change access to handgun purchases for younger adults and reflects ongoing debates about gun rights and regulations in the U.S.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are between 18 and 20 years old?
This decision means you could soon have the ability to purchase handguns from licensed dealers, which was previously prohibited. This change could significantly alter your access to firearms and influence your rights under the Second Amendment.
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