Washington, D.C., USA: Second Amendment Affirmed as Fundamental Right: AAG Dhillon Promises Stronger Gun Protections
Indian American Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced on December 8 that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a dedicated Second Amendment unit within its Civil Rights Division.
In a video statement shared on X, Dhillon explained that this initiative formally places gun rights within the department’s civil rights responsibilities, emphasizing that “the Second Amendment is not a secondary right.”
“This month, the Civil Rights Division has inaugurated a Second Amendment unit, and I’m thrilled about this development,” Dhillon said. “For the first time, our department will actively safeguard and advance the right of citizens to own firearms as part of our civil rights mission.”
Dhillon highlighted that although the Second Amendment has been part of the Constitution since 1791, “it has historically received less attention from the Supreme Court compared to other key civil rights.” She pointed out that recent rulings have clarified that states cannot obstruct the rights of law-abiding individuals to carry commonly used firearms.
She noted that the new unit will specifically address areas where jurisdictions impose steep application fees, lengthy permit processes, or bans on firearms that are otherwise protected under existing Supreme Court precedent. According to Dhillon, these obstacles disproportionately affect groups who depend on self-defense, without undermining law enforcement responsibilities.
Highlighting the practical safety benefits, Dhillon said, “A criminal is less likely to target a home protected by an armed citizen,” adding that the right to bear arms “helps level the playing field for women, people with disabilities, and others who might otherwise be at higher risk, enabling them to defend themselves effectively.”
Dhillon also mentioned that this initiative follows an executive order issued early in the current administration, with further measures expected as the DOJ expands enforcement across the country.
