U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Reinstate Missouri Gun Law, Citing Supremacy of Federal Law
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a plea from Missouri officials to reinstate a state law that prohibits the enforcement of federal gun laws. The law, known as the Second Amendment Preservation Act, was invalidated by a federal judge earlier this year.
The Biden administration filed a lawsuit against Missouri in 2022, arguing that the law violated the “supremacy clause” of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes federal law as superior to conflicting state laws. The administration contended that the measure interfered with federal firearms regulations and undermined public safety.
The 2021 law had caused Missouri state and local police agencies to cease their assistance in the enforcement of federal gun laws. The administration argued that this hampered the government’s ability to effectively regulate firearms and protect citizens.
U.S. District Judge Brian Wimes ruled in March that the Missouri law violated the “supremacy clause” and posed a greater risk to citizens by impeding the federal government’s ability to enforce lawful firearms regulations.
Justice Clarence Thomas indicated his disagreement with the majority opinion, stating that he would have upheld the Missouri law.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey expressed determination to defend the Second Amendment rights of Missourians, despite the Supreme Court’s decision. He asserted that the ruling was a procedural matter and vowed to continue his efforts at the Eighth Circuit court.
The Supreme Court has previously extended gun rights in a 2022 decision authored by Justice Thomas. It is scheduled to hear arguments next month in a case arising from that ruling. The case involves a federal law that was invalidated by an appeals court; this law aims to prevent individuals who have domestic violence restraining orders against them from possessing firearms.
The Supreme Court’s decision not to reinstate the Missouri law highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between federal and state gun regulations. The Biden administration has made gun control a priority, while some state governments, including Missouri, have sought to enact more permissive laws.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.