Facts

• On Wednesday, a federal judge in Virginia struck down a law prohibiting licensed federal weapons dealers from selling handguns to buyers under 21, ruling it violates their Second Amendment rights.^[1]
• In his 71-page ruling, Judge Robert Payne said the statutes and regulations restricting young Americans aged 18-20 from buying a firearm are "not consistent with our nation's history and tradition" and, therefore, could not stand.^[2]
• In addition, Payne noted that as Americans have the right to vote, join the military, and serve on a federal jury at 18, there is no reason why federal law should keep guns out of their hands.^[3]
• In his lawsuit filed last year, 20-year-old John Corey Fraser challenged the constitutionality of the Gun Control Act of 1968, which allows Americans above 18 to buy shotguns and rifles but limits the sale of handguns to adults 21 and older.^[4]
• The Justice Department is expected to appeal the ruling, and 18- to 20-year-olds are still not allowed to buy handguns until the judge issues his final order, due in the next few weeks. The order will also not apply to 19 states that have their own laws governing handgun sales.^[1]
• In March, the Spring 2023 Harvard Youth Poll found that 63% of America's 18- to 29-year-olds support stronger gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons and psychological exams for all gun purchases.^[5]