Colorado Federal Judge Upholds Ban on Gun Purchases for Under-21s

In a significant ruling, a federal judge in Colorado has upheld a state law that prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing firearms. Chief U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer sided with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, affirming that age-based restrictions on gun purchases do not violate the Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. This decision places such regulations in a constitutional "safe harbor," beyond the reach of traditional firearm protections.

The law, signed into effect as SB23-169, extends a long-standing federal requirement for handgun purchases to include rifles and shotguns. Exceptions are carved out for active-duty U.S. military personnel and peace officers, but only when purchasing firearms in line with their official duties. Governor Jared Polis, a staunch advocate for public safety, celebrated the ruling as a step toward making Colorado one of the safest states in the nation, emphasizing that responsible gun ownership and community safety go hand in hand.

This decision wasn’t without controversy. Two individuals under 21, Adrian Pineda and Matthew Newkirk, alongside Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, challenged the law, arguing it infringed on their constitutional rights. While Judge Brimmer recognized them as part of "the people" protected by the Second Amendment, he deferred to the 10th Circuit’s earlier ruling in 2023, effectively closing the case.

Interestingly, this ruling stands in contrast to other judicial interpretations across the country. For instance, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit in New Orleans previously struck down a similar federal restriction, asserting that 18- to 20-year-olds are indeed protected under the Second Amendment. Meanwhile, the 2022 Supreme Court decision in the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case deemed certain concealed carry restrictions unconstitutional, a ruling that then-President Joe Biden criticized as lacking common sense and endangering public safety.

As states like New York, California, and Florida adopt similar age restrictions on firearm purchases, the debate over balancing constitutional rights with public safety continues to intensify. Colorado’s affirmed law adds another layer to this complex national conversation, raising questions about where the line should be drawn and who gets to draw it.