In March 2026, the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), along with the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and individual plaintiff Gary Zimmerman, initiated a lawsuit challenging the prohibition of firearms in federal facilities within national parks. The suit targets 18 U.S.C. § 930(a), a statute that prohibits the possession of firearms in federal facilities, and 36 C.F.R. § 1.5, which allows park officials to impose specific restrictions on firearm carry within national parks. (saf.org)
The plaintiffs argue that the current restrictions infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. Adam Kraut, Executive Director of SAF, stated, “More than 300 million people traveled through the National Park System last year, and each of them were unconstitutionally barred from carrying firearms inside specific buildings at those parks.” (saf.org)
The lawsuit contends that the federal government cannot arbitrarily designate areas as “sensitive places” without historical precedent. The plaintiffs reference the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which emphasized that the government must demonstrate that firearm restrictions in specific locations are consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. (ammoland.com)
As of April 2026, the Department of Justice has not publicly commented on whether it will defend the current ban in court. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for firearm regulations within national parks, potentially altering the balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights.
Highlights:
- Gun Rights Group Challenges Ban On Firearms In National Park Facilities, Published on Tuesday, March 31
- New lawsuit pushes for guns in national park visitor centers, Published on Thursday, April 09
- Guns OK in national park buildings, lawsuit claims | Facilities Dive, Published on Tuesday, April 07