Denver's gun recovery data shows minimal assault-style weapons seizures
Denver recovered 2,100 guns; under 2% were assault-style weapons.
Event / Politics
Trump Denver Weapons Ban Lawsuit
The Trump administration sued Denver on May 6, 2026, to overturn its assault weapons ban and challenge Colorado's large-capacity magazine restrictions, arguing they violate Second Amendment rights. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston rejected the federal demand to repeal local gun control ordinances.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 May, 01:37 UTC
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What happened
Colorado Attorney General defends large-capacity magazine ban
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser responded to federal threats by defending the state's large-capacity magazine ban as a reasonable policy. Weiser stated that large-capacity magazine laws decrease the deadly impacts of mass shootings and save lives, and characterized firearms with such magazines as a major threat to public safety.
Trump administration files lawsuit against Denver over assault weapons ban
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado against the City and County of Denver and the Denver Police Department, challenging an ordinance that bans the possession, sale, manufacture, and storage of semi-automatic rifles. The lawsuit argues that Denver's ban on AR-15 style rifles and similar weapons violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms, as these firearms are owned by millions of Americans and used for lawful purposes including self-defense.
Denver Mayor Johnston rejects federal demand to repeal assault weapons ban
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston publicly rejected the Department of Justice's demand to repeal the city's assault weapons ban that has been in place since 1989. Johnston stated that Denver would not be intimidated into repealing the law, emphasizing that the ban has stood for 37 years, saves lives, and reflects community values. He asserted that Denver retains clear legal authority to regulate firearms within its borders to protect public safety.
Trump administration threatens lawsuit against Colorado over large-capacity magazine ban
The Department of Justice threatened to file a lawsuit against Colorado unless the state stops enforcing its statewide ban on large-capacity ammunition magazines. The ban was adopted following a 2012 mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora. The administration argues that the ban unconstitutionally restricts law-abiding Americans who own hundreds of millions of magazines identical to those banned by the state.
Denver recovered 2,100 guns in previous year with fewer than 2% assault-style weapons
According to Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, the city recovered 2,100 guns in the previous year, of which fewer than 2% were assault-style weapons. Thomas, who joined the department the year the city's assault weapons ban was adopted in 1989, credited the ban with helping to address gun violence in the city.
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2 alternative perspectives
Trump Administration Sues Denver Over Local Weapons Restrictions
Trump administration sues Denver over weapons ban; city and state defend regulatory authority.