A conservative US appeals court ruled on January 31 that the law banning federally licensed dealers from selling handguns to adults under 21 is unconstitutional. The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals argued that the 1968 law violates the Second Amendment, which does not specify an age limit for the right to bear arms. The court noted that, unlike other constitutional provisions with age requirements, the Second Amendment applies to all individuals aged 18 to 20.

The decision was challenged by gun rights groups and individuals between 18 and 21, who argued the ban infringes on their constitutional rights. In contrast, gun violence prevention group Everytown Law condemned the ruling, citing concerns about public safety and higher gun homicide rates among young adults. The federal government may appeal the decision.