WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Justice is set to launch a new office under its Civil Rights Division dedicated to protecting gun rights, marking a significant shift in federal civil rights enforcement priorities.
According to an article publised by Reuters yesterday, the newly formed Second Amendment Rights Section is expected to begin operations on December 4. The section will focus on investigating local laws and policies that may infringe on the constitutional right to bear arms, as outlined in the Second Amendment. The initiative stems from a February executive order by President Donald Trump, which directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to review federal government actions for any ongoing infringements on gun rights.
The DOJ’s reorganization is part of a broader move by the current administration to expand the scope of civil rights enforcement to include constitutional gun rights protections. The Civil Rights Division has traditionally focused on issues such as racial discrimination and police accountability. However, this new office signals an increased emphasis on safeguarding the rights of lawful gun owners.
Critics argue that this represents a departure from the division’s historical mission. Stacey Young, a former Civil Rights Division attorney, told Reuters, “The Civil Rights Division’s new focus on the Second Amendment, which is far outside its longstanding mission, is moving us even further away from our nation’s commitment to protecting all Americans’ civil rights.”
Earlier this year, the DOJ initiated a civil rights probe into the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department amid allegations of delayed concealed carry permit approvals. Gun rights groups had filed suit over long wait times, fees, and approval procedures.
The DOJ noted in its communication to Congress that the new office will be created using existing resources, and the Office of Management and Budget did not object. The department is not required to seek congressional approval for such a reorganization but must notify lawmakers in advance.
The establishment of this office is a welcome development. In an era where federal civil rights enforcement has largely focused on issues unrelated to the right to keep and bear arms, this new section represents a critical shift in prioritizing constitutional freedoms. By investigating local and state-level restrictions, the DOJ may help ensure that law-abiding citizens are not burdened by overreaching regulations.
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