Federal Appeals Court Rules Minnesota Handgun Permit Age Restriction Unconstitutional

A federal appeals court has ruled that Minnesota's law requiring individuals to be at least 21 years old to obtain a handgun permit is unconstitutional. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the law violated the Second Amendment rights of 18- to 20-year-olds. This decision follows a series of rulings expanding gun rights, referencing a recent Supreme Court decision that set new standards for firearm regulations.

A federal appeals court has declared Minnesota's law requiring individuals to be at least 21 years old to obtain a handgun permit unconstitutional, citing the Second Amendment.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with gun rights groups, asserting that the law infringes on the rights of 18–20-year-olds. The court referred to recent Supreme Court rulings expanding gun rights, particularly noting that the Second Amendment does not specify an age limit.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed disappointment, stating that the ruling complicates efforts to reduce shootings and enhance public safety.