Story perspectives

Justice Dept. Sues Denver Over 1989 Assault Weapon Ban

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department sued Denver in federal court on Tuesday, challenging the city’s 1989 assault-weapon and large-capacity-magazine ban.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the ban violates the Second Amendment and that the department will defend law-abiding citizens’ rights.
Mayor Mike Johnston said the ordinance lowered homicide rates, increased police trust, and that Denver will continue to defend it.
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners welcomed the lawsuit.

History

Historical Context

In response to the 1989 Cleveland Elementary shooting, Congress passed the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act in September 1994, and President Bill Clinton signed it, banning 19 semi-automatic rifle models defined by specific features. The ten-year ban expired in September 2004. Today the Justice Department’s lawsuit challenging Denver’s 1989 local ban echoes that earlier federal-state clash.

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Story summary

The Justice Department sued Denver in federal court on Tuesday, challenging the city’s 1989 assault-weapon and large-capacity-magazine ban.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the ban violates the Second Amendment and that the department will defend law-abiding citizens’ rights.
Mayor Mike Johnston said the ordinance lowered homicide rates, increased police trust, and that Denver will continue to defend it.
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners welcomed the lawsuit.

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