Politics

The Rhode Island Supreme Court has vacated a decision that would have required a “clear and convincing” standard of proof for protective orders involving firearm surrender. The court ruled that the traditional “preponderance of evidence” standard remains the appropriate legal bar for civil protection orders in the state.

Georgia-based Mean Arms has agreed to a $1.75 million settlement and a permanent ban on New York sales of its “MA Lock” device. The settlement resolves a lawsuit by Attorney General Letitia James alleging the company deceptively marketed the lock as a legal workaround for the New York SAFE Act.

Maryland legislators are considering Senate Bill 362, the Ny’Kayla Strawder Act, which would increase penalties for leaving loaded firearms accessible to unsupervised minors. The bill, sparked by several tragic incidents, proposes a standalone criminal charge carrying up to five years in jail for those who fail to secure their firearms.

Virginia House Democrats have passed a comprehensive package of firearm control measures, including a ban on the sale of assault-style firearms and large-capacity magazines. The legislation also introduces new civil liability for the firearm industry and stricter storage requirements for homes with minors.

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti has sparked an unprecedented rift between the Trump administration and its traditionally loyal pro-gun base. Firearms instructors and major gun rights organizations are condemning federal officials for “demonizing” legal concealed carry and mischaracterizing the Second Amendment rights of protesters.

President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces in Minnesota following escalating protests and federal officer shootings in Minneapolis. This move comes as state leaders and federal authorities clash over a massive immigration enforcement surge that has left residents on edge and the city in turmoil.

A Ninth Circuit panel has ruled that California’s broad ban on openly carrying firearms in most populated counties violates the Second Amendment because it conflicts with historical traditions of firearm regulation. The decision removes a major barrier to open carry while leaving the state’s licensing system in smaller counties largely intact.

Trump said the U.S. conducted overnight strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, prompting Caracas residents to report explosions, smoke, and outages. Venezuelan leaders condemned the action as allies demanded proof of life and warned of serious consequences.

Federal prosecutors under the Trump administration are suing Washington DC, claiming the city’s ban on registering many semiautomatic rifles and pistols conflicts with Supreme Court precedent on individual gun ownership. The outcome could reshape how far local governments may go when restricting common firearms that citizens use for lawful defense and sporting purposes.