WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a new Second Amendment section within its Civil Rights Division, marking the first time the agency will treat gun rights as part of its core civil rights work. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced the move, calling it a major step in how the federal government views the right to keep and bear arms.
Dhillon said the new section will focus on protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans who own and carry commonly used firearms. She emphasized that the Second Amendment is a “fundamental right,” and she noted that recent Supreme Court rulings have strengthened protections for gun owners.
In a video posted on X, Dhillon said the Civil Rights Division will now “protect and advance our citizens’ right to bear arms as part of our civil rights work.” She said the department has never taken this approach before. She also stressed that the creation of the section reflects clear direction from the Supreme Court, which has ruled that states cannot block responsible citizens from carrying firearms in public.
Dhillon argued that the Second Amendment has not received the same level of attention as other constitutional rights, despite being ratified in 1791. She said the DOJ will now seek to correct that. She pointed to cases in which states imposed high fees, long waits, or broad bans on firearms that courts have recognized as legal for self-defense.
She said these rules create unfair barriers for people who depend on their right to carry for protection. Dhillon noted that vulnerable groups suffer the most from strict limits, including women, people with disabilities, and others who may be at higher risk of violence.
Dhillon also highlighted the self-defense benefits that supporters say come with responsible gun ownership. “A criminal is less likely to attack a house that is guarded by an armed citizen,” she said. She argued that an armed homeowner has a stronger chance to defend against threats, and that this ability should not depend on income or location.
Dhillon said the new section will work on cases where local or state governments may be violating current Supreme Court precedent. She said the group will look closely at jurisdictions that require thousands of dollars in application fees or force applicants to wait months before receiving a permit. She also pointed to bans on firearms that courts have already found to be in common use for lawful purposes.
According to Dhillon, the department will move quickly to address laws and policies that “interfere with the right of law-abiding citizens to carry commonly used firearms.” She said the effort aligns with an executive order issued early in the current administration that directed federal agencies to review and strengthen civil rights enforcement.
The announcement drew immediate notice from both gun rights advocates and groups that favor stricter gun laws. Supporters say the new section will ensure the federal government respects recent Supreme Court decisions and uses its authority to protect constitutional freedoms. They argue that a strong federal role helps prevent states from imposing unfair limits.
Critics, however, have raised concerns that a new Second Amendment section may weaken efforts to reduce gun violence. They worry that aggressive enforcement of gun rights could conflict with local policies designed to address rising shootings in some cities. Dhillon did not address specific local disputes but said the department will follow the Constitution and established legal precedent.
