The U.S. Department of Justice has released a legal opinion stating that a federal law banning firearms dealers from selling handguns or handgun ammunition to individuals aged 18 to 20 is unconstitutional, as it infringes on the Second Amendment rights of young adults. This opinion was issued just one day after CBS News reported that the Justice Department will not appeal a court ruling that significantly reduces restrictions on certain types of firearms, including silencers, short-barreled rifles, and shotguns, under the National Firearms Act. These changes could lead to fewer federal regulations on these items. The law in question, which set the minimum age for purchasing handguns at 21, was enacted separately from the National Firearms Act. In the legal opinion, T. Elliot Gaiser, the assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel, argued that an 18-year-old is considered "mature enough" to be drafted into the military, vote, serve as a juror, and even face the death penalty. He cited an example of an 18-year-old who represented the U.S. at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in shooting. According to the law, it would have been a federal felony if a licensed dealer had sold her a firearm before or after her Olympic participation. It is important to note that the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion is not a binding legal decision and does not establish a legal precedent. However, it is expected to influence federal prosecutors nationwide to avoid charging licensed firearms dealers with felony offenses if they are suspected of knowingly selling handguns to individuals under the age of 21. This could effectively weaken enforcement of the minimum age law at the federal level. Pro-gun control advocates have criticized the decision. GIFFORDS, a prominent gun violence prevention organization, called the move "the latest move by the Trump administration to refuse to defend the law to please the gun lobby." Emma Brown, the executive director of GIFFORDS, stated in a statement that the administration's actions are "illegal and dangerous" and aimed at appeasing donors from the gun industry. She emphasized that individuals aged 18 to 20 are responsible for a significant share of school shootings, mass shootings, and gun homicides, and that minimum age laws exist for a reason. GIFFORDS has pledged to continue fighting against this decision. This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.