Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested that the Supreme Court may soon decide on the constitutionality of banning AR-15s. He noted that the firearms are legal in 41 states and owned by 20 to 30 million Americans.
Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch indicated support for reviewing the Maryland case on assault weapon bans.
Justice Clarence Thomas argued that Maryland’s ban on AR-15s likely does not comply with the Constitution’s provisions for self-defense.
Kavanaugh expressed skepticism about the constitutional validity of such bans, referencing the 2008 District of Columbia v. Heller decision that protects firearms in common use.
