Constitution

In a massive victory for Second Amendment advocates, the Department of Justice officially filed a lawsuit against the city of Denver. The federal complaint alleges that the city’s 37-year-old ban on so-called “assault weapons” is a blatant violation of the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. At The Modern Memo, we analyze the DOJ’s “common use” argument, the defiant “Hell No” from Denver’s progressive leadership, and why Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is making it clear that the Second Amendment is no longer a “second-class right.” The Federal Hammer: Smashing the ‘Assault’ Myth The DOJ’s lawsuit targets a 1989 Denver ordinance that makes it a crime to “carry, store, keep, manufacture, sell, or otherwise possess” a wide range of semi-automatic firearms. The “Common Use” Standard: Citing the Heller and Bruen precedents, the DOJ argues that the AR-15—the most popular rifle in America—is in “common use for lawful purposes” and therefore cannot be banned. Political Rhetoric vs. Reality: The complaint takes aim at the term “assault weapon” itself, echoing Justice Clarence Thomas’s observation that it is a “rhetorically charged political term developed by anti-gun publicists” rather than a technical definition. Vigorous Defense: “The Constitution is not a suggestion,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated. “Denver’s ban on commonly owned semi-automatic rifles directly violates the right to bear arms. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the liberties of law-abiding citizens nationwide.” Denver’s Defiance: “Hell No” to the Constitution While the federal government seeks to uphold the Bill of Rights, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and City Attorney Miko Brown held a theatrical press conference Monday to signal their intent to ignore the federal mandate. The “Hell No” Doctrine: Surrounded by gun control activists, Mayor Johnston declared “Hell no” to the DOJ’s demand to repeal the ban. He characterized the 37-year-old policy as a “common-sense” measure against “weapons of war.” Statewide Overreach: The DOJ isn’t stopping with Denver. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser confirmed his office also received a federal warning regarding the state’s 2013 ban on large-capacity magazines, signaling that a statewide legal reckoning is imminent. The “Bully” Narrative: Pro-ban advocates, including Tom Mauser, father of a Columbine victim, accused the Trump administration of “intimidation,” framing the enforcement of constitutional rights as a form of “bullying.” The Legal Turning Point This lawsuit marks the first time the federal government has directly intervened to strike down Denver’s local ordinances, setting up a high-stakes showdown in federal district court. Harmeet Dhillon’s Warning: Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, of the Civil Rights Division, had previously offered Denver a chance to negotiate a “consent decree” to stop enforcing the ban. The city’s refusal has now triggered a full-scale legal war. The DNC Factor: Observers note that Denver is currently “cleaning house” and tightening security ahead of a major Democratic National Convention (DNC) visit. Critics argue the city is using the ban as a political prop to appeal to the radical left while ignoring the crime rates that continue to plague the metro area. Final Word The DOJ’s lawsuit against Denver is the definitive proof that the era of local “gun-free utopias” is coming to a legal end. When you look past the noise of “common-sense” slogans and focus on the data—the tens of millions of law-abiding AR-15 owners and the Supreme Court’s clear directives—you gain a clearer picture of an administration that views the Bill of Rights as an absolute requirement, not a suggestion. Quality information replaces the narrative of “safety” with the reality of a city government that would rather bankrupt its taxpayers in a lost legal battle than acknowledge the Second Amendment. By choosing to sue, the DOJ is ensuring that in Denver, as in the rest of America, the right to self-defense is no longer up for debate. Where Facts, Context, and Perspective Matter At The Modern Memo, our goal is simple: to provide clear, well-researched reporting in a media landscape that often feels overwhelming. We focus on substance over sensationalism, and context over commentary. If you value thoughtful analysis, transparent sourcing, and stories that go beyond the headline, we invite you to share our work. Informed conversations start with reliable information, and sharing helps ensure important stories reach a wider audience. Journalism works best when readers engage, question, and participate. By reading and sharing, you’re supporting a more informed public and a healthier media ecosystem. The Modern Memo may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. 📩 Love what you’re reading? Don’t miss a headline! Subscribe to The Modern Memo here!