Congressman McCaul Applauds 2nd Amendment Gun Rights Victory

AUSTIN - The United States Supreme Court silenced any doubt today that Americans have the individual right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the Constitution by overturning Washington, D.C.'s 32 year old ban on handguns.

"Today the court affirmed what the Second Amendment clearly states, that the 'right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed'," said Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10). "This is a victory for freedom across America."

Congressman McCaul joined other members of Congress in signing an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief to the United States Supreme Court submitted by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund. The brief supported a lower federal appeals court decision holding that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms, and asserts that the D.C. bans on handguns, on carrying firearms within the home and on possession of loaded or operable firearms for self-defense violate that fundamental right.

Today's ruling means that the people of Washington, D.C. will once again have the right to protect themselves and their families from violent crimes. The D.C. handgun ban has prevented law abiding citizens from purchasing legal guns to be used for self defense. This is the first time since the Second Amendment was ratified in 1791 that the court has conclusively interpreted its meaning.