In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has upheld a federal law that prohibits individuals under restraining orders for domestic violence from owning firearms. The 8-1 ruling reaffirms the 30-year-old statute, delivering a significant victory for gun reform advocates.
The case centered around Zackey Rahimi, a Texas man who was placed under a restraining order after abusing his girlfriend and was involved in multiple shootings. Rahimi challenged the gun possession ban and initially received support from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which argued that the law was not “consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.” This led to the Supreme Court review.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing the majority opinion, emphasized that temporarily disarming individuals who pose a “credible threat to the physical safety of another” does not violate the Second Amendment. He noted that since the nation’s founding, firearm laws have aimed to prevent those who threaten physical harm from misusing firearms.
Also, read; Lewis Hamilton’s Earnings Soar to $69 Million Despite Challenging Season
Justice Clarence Thomas was the lone dissenter, expressing concern that the decision could jeopardize the Second Amendment rights of others. He argued that the ruling sets a precedent that could lead to broader restrictions on gun ownership.
The decision is seen as a rare but significant win for advocates of stricter gun control, who had been concerned that the Supreme Court’s conservative majority might interpret the Second Amendment in a way that would weaken efforts to disarm dangerous individuals.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland welcomed the ruling, stating that the prohibition is “entirely consistent” with the Second Amendment. He affirmed that the Justice Department would continue to enforce the statute, emphasizing its importance in protecting public safety.
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the ongoing national debate over gun control and the balance between individual rights and public safety. As the country grapples with issues of gun violence and domestic abuse, the ruling represents a crucial moment in the effort to keep firearms out of the hands of those who pose a significant threat.
