ST. LOUIS, MO — In a landmark ruling, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals declared Minnesota’s ban on carrying firearms for 18- to 20-year-olds unconstitutional. The decision in Worth v. Jacobson reaffirms that age-based firearm bans violate the Second Amendment. The court found that the state failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the ban, emphasizing that the right to bear arms extends to all law-abiding adults.
The ruling represents a significant victory for the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and individual plaintiffs who challenged the law. FPC President Brandon Combs hailed the decision as a step toward securing gun rights for all peaceable citizens, noting, “This case is another example of our work and the truth prevailing over tyrants and their pet gun control advocacy organizations.”
The Eighth Circuit’s opinion immediately prevents Minnesota from enforcing the 21-year minimum age requirement for a Permit to Carry. The plaintiffs were represented by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, and Blair W. Nelson.
Bryan Strawser, Chair of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, stated, “This is a resounding victory for 18-20-year-old adults who wish to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms.” The decision underscores the court’s stance that young adults are included in the protections of the Second Amendment.
