Supreme Court Lets SAF Win Stand in Pennsylvania Carry Case

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a Pennsylvania gun-carry case involving adults under 21, leaving intact a Third Circuit ruling for the Second Amendment Foundation. The decision makes final a win that struck down part of Pennsylvania’s emergency-carry restrictions for 18-20-year-olds.

Why it matters: - The Supreme Court’s refusal to take the case leaves in place a ruling that says adults under 21 are part of “the People” protected by the Second Amendment. - The decision preserves a legal victory that could help challenge other state laws limiting firearm carry rights for 18-20-year-olds.

What happened: - The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Bivens v. SAF, No. 24-1329, formerly Lara v. Paris. - The case involved the Second Amendment Foundation’s challenge to Pennsylvania restrictions on firearm carry during declared states of emergency. - The Third Circuit ruled twice for SAF, and the Supreme Court’s decision makes that win final. - SAF was joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition and three individuals in the case.

The details: - The Third Circuit found that adults under 21 enjoy the same Second Amendment rights as other adults. - The appellate court struck down part of Pennsylvania’s carry regime that blocked young adults from carrying firearms during declared emergencies. - SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut said a Supreme Court review could have turned the case into a national ruling, but the organization is satisfied that the Third Circuit victory is now permanent and final. - SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb said adults over 18 can buy property, join the military and get married, and should also receive full Second Amendment rights.

Between the lines: - The Supreme Court’s denial does not create a nationwide precedent, but it does leave a favorable appellate ruling intact. - The case strengthens a broader legal argument that age-based limits on adult gun rights may not survive constitutional scrutiny.

What’s next: - SAF says the decision could support challenges to additional Pennsylvania gun laws and similar restrictions in other states. - The Third Circuit ruling will remain the controlling result in the case unless another legal challenge changes the landscape.

The bottom line: - The Supreme Court’s move gives SAF a lasting win and leaves Pennsylvania’s emergency-carry restriction for 18-20-year-olds struck down in the Third Circuit.