Kendall Litardo, a pregnant mother, recently experienced a terrifying incident when she was hit in the arm by a stray bullet in Colorado. In response to this incident, a prominent Colorado group dedicated to protecting the Second Amendment has announced that it is filing a federal lawsuit against the state. The Rocky Mountain Gun Owners are challenging the constitutionality of a recently enacted law that bans “ghost guns,” homemade firearms without serial numbers. The group argues that this ban infringes on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
The newly enacted law, known as Senate Bill 23-279, was signed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis and went into effect on Monday. It prohibits the possession, transport, purchase, and ownership of gun frames and receivers that lack serial numbers. Those in possession of ghost guns have until January 1, 2024, to have them stamped with serial numbers at a licensed dealership, with a required background check.
The Rocky Mountain Gun Owners firmly believe that this law, like others aimed at restricting gun rights, will not withstand scrutiny, especially in light of a recent Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. In that decision, a New York gun safety law requiring a license to carry concealed weapons in public was overturned as unconstitutional. The group argues that the historical understanding of the Second Amendment must be considered when evaluating any law that infringes on the right to bear arms.
The nonprofit organization points out that the legislation lacks clarity and unfairly targets law-abiding citizens. They are urging supporters and gun rights advocates to join them in challenging this law, emphasizing that the outcome could have implications not only for gun legislation in Colorado but also across the United States.
It is worth noting that the issue of ghost guns has gained attention due to their potential misuse. Authorities have reported instances where individuals who committed violent acts possessed such firearms. However, it is important to recognize that these incidents are not representative of the vast majority of law-abiding gun owners.
In response to the lawsuit, Governor Jared Polis maintains his stance on the need to regulate ghost guns, citing the federal gun bill signed by President Biden last year, which mandates serial numbers on firearm parts. The governor believes that this law is crucial to ensuring public safety and preventing the use of untraceable firearms.
The fight for constitutional rights is never easy, but the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners remain committed to protecting Coloradans’ Second Amendment rights from undue governmental intrusion. This lawsuit serves as a testament to their dedication.
As this legal battle unfolds, it has the potential to set a precedent for future gun legislation not only in Colorado but also nationwide. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly be closely watched by both gun rights advocates and proponents of stricter firearm regulations.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Digital. For story tips, he can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner. Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to our newsletter.
