The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit this Wednesday against the state of California to block the entry into force of a law that restricts the sale of new Glock-type semi-automatic pistols, arguing that the measure violates the rights protected by the Second Amendment of the Constitution.

The legal action represents a new chapter in the dispute between President Donald Trump's administration and Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration over gun control policies. In addition to challenging the ban on the sale of certain models of pistols, the lawsuit also challenges the so-called California Handgun Registry, which limits the models of firearms that can be legally marketed in the state.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the federal government's decision by saying that California cannot prevent the sale of the most popular type of gun in the country. In a statement, he maintained that the Department of Justice will seek to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and enforce constitutional guarantees related to the possession and carrying of firearms.

Clash between the White House and Sacramento

The challenged legislation, identified as AB 1127, went into effect this July 1 and prohibits the sale of new Glock pistols and other models with similar firing mechanisms that, according to the promoters of the rule, can be modified relatively easily by devices known as “switches” to fire automatically.

However, the law does not require the surrender or prohibit the possession of weapons acquired before its entry into force, so those who already own a pistol of this type can legally keep it.

During a press conference, Blanche also warned that the Justice Department could file new lawsuits against California and other states that maintain similar restrictions on carrying weapons on private property, following recent court decisions related to the interpretation of the Second Amendment.

The Trump administration maintains that several state regulations exceed constitutional limits and anticipated that it will continue to go to court to challenge those laws that it considers incompatible with the right to bear arms.

California defends its safety legislation

Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the legal offensive by ensuring that the security policies implemented by California have contributed to reducing deaths from firearms and constitute a national benchmark for combating gun violence.

For its part, the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta said it will review the lawsuit and defend the constitutionality of the state legislation in court. The promoters of the law maintain that gun manufacturers have known for decades how easily certain models can be converted into automatic weapons using illegal accessories, which is why they consider it necessary to restrict their marketing to reduce risks to public safety.

The federal lawsuit opens a new court battle over the reach of the Second Amendment and the power of states to impose regulations on the sale of firearms. The outcome of the litigation could have repercussions beyond California and set the course for future disputes between the federal government and states that have adopted some of the strictest gun control laws in the country.