Court Strikes Down California's Open Carry Ban

Does this uphold historical rights, or ignore public safety and enable gun violence?

Published 2 days ago

Court Strikes Down California's Open Carry Ban

story

Above: A California Highway Patrol officer inspects a gun that was confiscated during a felony stop on Oct. 16, 2025. Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

California's open carry ban has been struck down because it fails to align with America's historical tradition of firearm regulation. Open carry was legal and common at the Founding and throughout much of American history, and California provided insufficient historical evidence to justify such a sweeping prohibition. The 9th Circuit panel followed the Supreme Court's clear directive in Bruen rather than inventing new tests or rubber-stamping the state's public safety claims.

Mike Netter on X

Democratic narrative

California's gun safety laws face constant attacks from judges who ignore the real threats to public safety and democracy. While state leaders work to protect constitutional rights from authoritarian overreach, federal courts strike down reasonable regulations designed to keep communities safe. These judicial decisions prioritize ideological interpretations over the legitimate need to defend citizens from gun violence.

Stateline The New York Times