Choose blocks Colorado regulation elevating age to buy a gun to 21

DENVER (AP) — A federal choose has blocked Colorado from imposing a brand new regulation elevating the age to buy a gun from 18 to 21.

U.S. District Choose Philip Brimmer issued a preliminary injunction Monday following a authorized problem by a gun rights group. In a ruling that incessantly referenced a U.S. Supreme Courtroom ruling that expanded Second Modification rights final 12 months, he concluded that the lawsuit introduced by Rocky Mountain Gun House owners would probably succeed and barred the state from imposing the regulation till the case is resolved.

The regulation was one among 4 gun management payments signed by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis in April, following the lead of different states making an attempt to confront a surge in violent crime and mass shootings.

Final 12 months’s Supreme Courtroom determination in a New York case modified a check decrease courts had used for evaluating challenges to gun legal guidelines, threatening to upend firearms restrictions throughout the nation.

READ MORE: Cities in Michigan aren’t allowed to ascertain ‘gun-free zones.’ Some leaders wish to change that

Colorado’s regulation successfully sought to stop these between 18 and 20 from shopping for rifles and shotguns. A federal regulation already prevents licensed firearms sellers from promoting handguns to these underneath 21 however that ban has additionally been challenged in gentle of the Supreme Courtroom determination.

A spokesperson for Polis, Conor Cahill, referred to as the distinction in age limits for various kinds of weapons a “loophole.”

“The Governor is working in the direction of his aim of constructing Colorado one of many ten most secure states within the nation — and the identical age necessities for pistols and rifles would assist help accountable gun possession,” he stated.

In an announcement, Rocky Mountain Gun House owners’ government director, Taylor Rhodes, stated the group warned Colorado lawmakers the hassle could be struck down in courtroom.

“At the moment, our crystal ball turned a actuality. However it doesn’t cease right here. We received’t cease combating till each single unconstitutional anti-gun regulation is struck down,” Rhodes stated.