A federal judge has upheld Colorado’s firearm purchase restrictions that require buyers to be at least 21 years old to purchase guns, including rifles and shotguns.
The ruling comes as a result of a lawsuit filed by Rocky Mountain Gun Owners alongside two individuals seeking to purchase firearms.
Chief U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer agreed with a previous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, which stated that age-based requirements for gun purchases do not infringe upon Second Amendment rights.
Brimmer emphasized that this age restriction is reflected in a “safe harbor” exclusion, meaning it does not fall within the constitutional protections typically associated with gun ownership.
Colorado’s law allows exceptions for members of the U.S. Military and peace officers, provided they are making the purchase while on duty and in accordance with the respective agency’s policies.
In response to the ruling, Conor Cahill, Communications Director for Governor Jared Polis, expressed satisfaction, stating that Polis is committed to making Colorado one of the ten safest states.
Cahill noted that the age restriction for purchasing firearms aligns with a long-standing federal law requiring individuals to be 21 or older to buy handguns.
The age limit was expanded to include rifles and shotguns following the signing of bill SB23-169, which was positioned as a measure to promote responsible gun ownership and increase safety in communities.
Brimmer acknowledged the plaintiffs, Adrian Pineda and Matthew Newkirk, as part of “the people” referenced in the Second Amendment, but he reiterated the 10th Circuit’s earlier ruling.
This decision contrasts sharply with a recent ruling from the Supreme Court regarding New York’s gun laws.
In that case, the Supreme Court found that New York had imposed unconstitutional requirements for the concealed carry of firearms.
President Joe Biden expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision in the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case, suggesting that the ruling undermined both common sense and constitutional safety measures.
Biden reaffirmed his commitment to addressing gun violence and enhancing community safety after the New York ruling.
Judicial opinions on gun ownership and age restrictions also differ between circuits.
Brimmer’s ruling is at odds with a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit in New Orleans, which recently struck down a federal ban on firearm sales to individuals under 21.
In that case, Judge Edith H. Jones asserted that there was insufficient historical evidence to support the restriction of firearm rights for people aged 18 to 20 during the nation’s founding era.
Across the country, several states, including New York, Massachusetts, California, Florida, Illinois, Delaware, and Vermont, have enacted laws raising the minimum age for firearm purchases.
While some states limit age restrictions to handguns, others have broadened them to encompass all types of firearms.
The ongoing debate about gun control and age restrictions continues to spark legal challenges and discussions across various jurisdictions.
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