District Court Strikes Down Federal Law Restricting Handgun Sales to Young Adults, Everytown Law Responds

NEW YORK – Everytown Law, the nation’s largest team of gun violence prevention litigators, released the following statement in response to today’s decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to strike down the federal law that prohibits federally-licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to individuals under the age of 21. 

“Not only are guns the leading cause of death for U.S. kids and teens, but research shows us that 18- to 20-year-olds commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults 21 years and older. The federal law prohibiting federally-licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to individuals under the age of 21 is not just an essential tool for preventing gun violence, it is also entirely constitutional,” said Janet Carter, senior director of issues and appeals at Everytown Law. “The Court’s ruling will undoubtedly put lives at risk. It must be reversed.”