Overview
- The Justice Department filed suit against the Metropolitan Police Department alleging D.C. unlawfully blocks registration of many semi-automatic firearms, including AR-15–style rifles.
- Prosecutors argue the policy violates Supreme Court precedent protecting arms in common use and targets features based on cosmetics or accessories rather than lawful use.
- DOJ says MPD’s refusals to register protected firearms force residents to litigate and expose them to wrongful arrests under the city’s registration requirement.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the action reflects a renewed commitment to enforcing gun-rights claims through the new Second Amendment Section.
- Gun-rights groups expressed cautious optimism while noting past DOJ positions on the National Firearms Act, and D.C. police have not responded to requests for comment.