Story perspectives

DOJ Sues to Block Denver AR-15, Magazine, Suppressor Bans

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department launched a legal offensive to overturn local gun restrictions before the Supreme Court rules.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon filed lawsuits on May 5-6 2026 against Denver’s AR-15 ban and Colorado’s 15-round magazine limit.
Dhillon said Denver’s ordinance falsely labels AR-15s as “assault weapons” to stigmatize them.
The DOJ also expanded its Washington, D.C., case to challenge the city’s suppressor ban, the first federal suit of its kind.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, signed by President Bill Clinton and effective September 13, 1994, barred semi-automatic rifles and magazines holding more than ten rounds. After the ban expired in 2004, states like Colorado enacted local limits. In May 2026, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon sued Denver and Colorado over their AR-15 and 15-round-magazine restrictions, reviving the federal-state clash first seen in 1994.

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Story summary

The Justice Department launched a legal offensive to overturn local gun restrictions before the Supreme Court rules.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon filed lawsuits on May 5-6 2026 against Denver’s AR-15 ban and Colorado’s 15-round magazine limit.
Dhillon said Denver’s ordinance falsely labels AR-15s as “assault weapons” to stigmatize them.
The DOJ also expanded its Washington, D.C., case to challenge the city’s suppressor ban, the first federal suit of its kind.

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