Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing a legal threat from the Department of Justice just days before a controversial California firearms law takes effect that would ban gun dealers from selling Glock-style handguns.

In a letter sent Tuesday to the governor and Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon warned the federal government is prepared to sue the Golden State unless it backs away from the restrictions before they take effect July 1.

“The Second Amendment guarantees the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms for self-defense. D.C. v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570, 625 (2008),” Dhillon wrote in the letter, which serves as a formal notice of potential litigation against the state.

“Because handguns are the most popular weapon chosen by Americans for self-defense, a prohibition of their use is invalid.”

Dhillon also publicized the warning on social media.

“Tick tock! On July 1, CA plans to impose an unconstitutional ‘Glock Ban.’ Today, I notified @CAGovernor & @AGRobBonta to drop the unconstitutional restrictions on law-abiding citizens’ rights to purchase legal firearms before the ban goes into effect, or we will sue. Stay tuned!,” she wrote on X, sharing the letter.

The dispute centers on Assembly Bill 1127. The legislation creates a new category of firearms known as “machinegun-convertible pistols” and prohibits licensed firearm dealers from selling newly stocked semiautomatic handguns that fall within that classification.

Supporters of the measure argue it is aimed at preventing criminals from converting semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic weapons using inexpensive aftermarket devices.

Critics, however, contend the law effectively targets Glock-style pistols and other commonly owned handguns that are popular for self-defense.

While the law would stop licensed dealers from selling affected firearms, it does not make existing ownership illegal.

Californians who already own Glock-style pistols may continue to possess them legally, and private-party transfers between individuals remain permitted under the legislation.

In her letter, Dhillon argued that the measure, along with California’s broader handgun roster requirements, infringes on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens seeking to purchase firearms.

The DOJ cited the landmark Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller, which recognized an individual’s right to possess firearms for self-defense.

The letter also references California’s handgun roster system, which requires certain safety features before handguns can be sold commercially in the state. Dhillon noted that a federal district court previously found portions of those requirements unconstitutional in Boland v. Bonta, although that ruling remains stayed while appeals continue.

According to the notice, the Justice Department has authorized a federal lawsuit alleging that the impending handgun sales restrictions and roster requirements violate Californians’ Second Amendment rights.

The department said it may delay filing the suit if California agrees to enter negotiations before June 30.

The DOJ is seeking, at minimum, a halt to enforcement of the challenged laws, an acknowledgment that the restrictions are unconstitutional, and a court-enforceable agreement preventing similar measures in the future.

The California Post has reached out to both Bonta’s office and Newsom’s office for comment.

If California declines to negotiate or fails to respond by the June 30 deadline outlined in the letter, federal officials indicated the lawsuit could be filed as soon as next week — setting up another high-profile legal showdown between California and the Trump administration over gun rights.

California consistently has some of the strictest firearm regulations in the United States. Advocacy groups such as the Giffords Law Center and Everytown for Gun Safety routinely rank the state among the strongest in the nation on gun safety laws, citing its extensive approach to regulating firearm ownership, sales and manufacturing.

The state requires universal background checks for all firearm and ammunition purchases, imposes a 10-day waiting period, bans most military-style assault weapons, and restricts handgun sales to models listed on its official “Handgun Roster.”

California has also implemented “red flag” laws that allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

---

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters