DOJ creates Civil Rights Second Amendment section
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced Monday that the DOJ Civil Rights Division has launched a dedicated Second Amendment section to enforce gun rights, pledging increased federal action against state and local restrictions. Dhillon said the unit will target high concealed-carry permit fees, lengthy processing delays, and bans on firearms inconsistent with recent Supreme Court precedent, citing an early-term executive order from President Trump and promising 'a lot more action' from DOJ.
📌 Key Facts
- Assistant AG Harmeet Dhillon said DOJ’s Civil Rights Division started a Second Amendment section this month
- Focus areas include challenging high CCW permit costs, unreasonable delays, and gun bans at odds with Supreme Court rulings
- Dhillon referenced an executive order issued two weeks into President Trump’s tenure and promised stepped-up enforcement
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, the homicide victimization rate for Black persons was 21.3 per 100,000 persons, more than six times the rate for White persons at 3.2 per 100,000.
Homicide Victimization in the United States, 2023 — Bureau of Justice Statistics
In 2023, there were 8,842 White murder offenders and 6,405 Black murder offenders in the United States, with Black individuals comprising about 13% of the population but approximately 41% of known murder offenders.
Number of murder offenders 2023, by race — Statista
In 2024, 38% of White Americans reported owning a gun, compared to 24% of Black Americans, 20% of Hispanic Americans, and 10% of Asian Americans.
Key facts about Americans and guns — Pew Research Center