Justice Department sues DC over block of semi-automatic guns

December 22, 2025

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Washington, DC, challenging the city's prohibition on registering semi-automatic rifles like AR-15s, which Attorney General Pam Bondi claims violates Second Amendment rights. The legal action stems from DC's requirement that all firearms be registered with police, though the city specifically bars registration of fast-loading semi-automatic weapons, effectively making their ownership illegal. This lawsuit represents the latest conflict between the Democrat-controlled district and the Republican federal government over gun regulations, complicated by Congress's authority to approve DC's laws and budgets.

Who is affected

Washington, DC residents who wish to own semi-automatic rifles like AR-15s
The Metropolitan Police Department (responsible for gun registration)
The DC Attorney General's office (defending against the lawsuit)
Law-abiding DC citizens seeking to possess semi-automatic firearms in their homes
Israeli embassy staff members (killed in May shooting)
West Virginia National Guard officers (shot in separate incident, one killed)
National Guard troops deployed to Washington DC

What action is being taken

The Justice Department is suing Washington, DC, over its semi-automatic gun registration ban
The US Attorney for DC's office is no longer seeking felony charges against people caught carrying rifles or shotguns
National Guard troops and extra federal officers are deployed in Washington DC
A lawsuit challenging the National Guard deployment is making its way through the legal system

Why it matters

This case represents a significant constitutional battle over Second Amendment rights and the extent of local gun control authority in the nation's capital. The outcome could affect DC residents' ability to own popular firearms and may set precedents for gun regulations in other jurisdictions. The conflict also highlights the unique governance challenges Washington DC faces, where Congress maintains approval authority over local laws despite the city having a Democrat majority that favors stricter gun control.

What's next

The lawsuit will proceed through federal court where attorneys will argue whether DC's prohibition on semi-automatic rifle registration violates the Second Amendment. National Guard troops are ordered to remain in Washington through at least February. The separate lawsuit challenging the National Guard deployment will continue through the legal system.

Read full article from source: BBC