DOJ Objects to Supreme Court Ruling on Gun Rights

This week's news about the US Supreme Court ruling against a New York State law that made it harder for citizens to arm themselves has now been overshadowed by today's ruling on Roe vs Wade. While I agree with the Court's decision that otherwise law-abiding citizens should not have to demonstrate a specific need for possessing a firearm for protection, I am appalled by the statement put out yesterday by the DOJ Office of Public Affairs. DOJ is officially expressing its opposition to the decision.

 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-statement-supreme-court-ruling-new-york-state-rifle-pistol-association-inc

Office of Public Affairs

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Justice Department Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen

The Department of Justice today released the following statement from spokeswoman Dena Iverson following the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc., et al. v. Bruen, Superintendent of New York State Police, et al.:

“We respectfully disagree with the Court’s conclusion that the Second Amendment forbids New York’s reasonable requirement that individuals seeking to carry a concealed handgun must show that they need to do so for self-defense. The Department of Justice remains committed to saving innocent lives by enforcing and defending federal firearms laws, partnering with state, local and tribal authorities and using all legally available tools to tackle the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our communities.”

Component(s): 

Office of Public Affairs

Department of Justice

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Fousesquawk comment:

We are living in troubled times, and the leak of a draft opinion that started the abortion controversy has already put the Supreme Court in the crosshairs, as evidenced by the recent incident in front of Justice Kavanaugh's home-to say nothing of the protests in front of the homes of conservative justices. Protests that violate federal law designed to shield judges from public pressure as to their decisions.

Once again, Attorney General Merrick Garland has shown himself to be a political animal. In my view, he has overstepped his bounds. A press release like this is not just unprofessional. It is adding fuel to the fire.

Press Release Number: 

22-659

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