New York Attorney General Letitia James has expressed satisfaction following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday in the case of United States v. Rahimi, which upheld a federal law prohibiting individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms.
The justices voted 8-1 in favor of the law, with Justice Clarence Thomas dissenting from the majority opinion.
In a statement issued shortly after the ruling, James, a staunch advocate for stricter gun control measures, spoke about the significance of the Court’s decision in safeguarding public safety.
“Gun safety laws save lives,” James affirmed. “I am pleased with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the federal law that prevents domestic abusers from legally possessing firearms. These laws are critical in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that firearms remain out of the hands of those who pose a threat.”
The case centered around Zackey Rahimi, a Texas resident who had been subject to a domestic violence restraining order after allegedly committing multiple violent acts involving firearms.
Previously, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had overturned the federal law, prompting an appeal to the Supreme Court.
James, along with a coalition of 25 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief urging the Court to uphold the ban, arguing that it was essential for protecting victims of domestic violence from further harm.
The Supreme Court’s decision effectively reversed the 5th Circuit’s ruling and reinstated the federal prohibition.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, underscored the importance of firearm restrictions in cases where individuals are deemed a credible threat to their partners’ safety, asserting that such measures are in line with the Second Amendment.
“The Court’s ruling today reinforces the principle that restraining orders issued due to threats of domestic violence can restrict access to firearms without violating constitutional rights,” Roberts stated.
However, Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, arguing that the government had failed to demonstrate the historical precedent or textual alignment of the law with the Second Amendment.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant victory for proponents of gun safety measures, coming just weeks after another consequential ruling involving firearms. Last week, the Court overturned a Trump-era ban on bump stocks, signaling contrasting outcomes in recent Second Amendment cases.
Democratic attorneys general across the nation have joined James in praising the Supreme Court’s decision.
