Understanding the Ninth Circuit’s Latest Gun Ban Ruling: A Blow to Constitutional Rights

As passionate advocates for the Second Amendment and staunch believers in the God-given right to self-defense, we at Fortress Firearms Training keep a close eye on any judicial decisions that could negatively impact your right to bear arms. A recent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court serves as another stark reminder that our liberties are under constant attack. The court held in favor of upholding a federal gun ban on non-violent felons—an alarming decision that raises serious constitutional concerns for law-abiding citizens who have served their time.

What Did the Court Decide?

In a highly controversial move, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decided en banc to uphold the federal prohibition on firearm possession for individuals convicted of non-violent felonies. This means that someone convicted of a crime like making a false statement on loan paperwork (a non-violent financial offense) can be permanently stripped of their Second Amendment rights—even decades after paying their debt to society.

The specific case focused on a man who had been convicted over 25 years ago for lying on a loan application. Despite living a crime-free life ever since, he was still barred from owning a firearm under federal law. The court justified the ban by arguing that historical laws also restricted access to firearms for people labeled as “untrustworthy.” But the ruling ignored how radically unconstitutional it is to deny a fundamental right based on decades-old, non-violent behavior.

Why This Ruling Matters

This decision is more than a slap in the face to the petitioner. It’s a dangerous precedent for American gun owners everywhere. If our government can take away your rights for non-violent infractions from decades past, what is stopping them from extending that logic even further? The reinterpretation of what formerly inspired our Founding Fathers—true liberty and self-defense—risks being rewritten by activist judges and bureaucrats.

Here’s what this ruling implies:

• A lifelong punishment for a non-violent mistake: Even if you’ve lived a peaceful, law-abiding life for decades, one financial misstep in your youth can permanently cost you your gun rights.
• A diluted interpretation of the Second Amendment: The court chose historical “trustworthiness” laws over clear constitutional language.
• An erosion of due process and individual rights: There’s now more legal justification to strip fundamental freedoms without direct, violent misconduct.

A Dangerous Misreading of History

The Ninth Circuit leaned on old, outdated laws that restricted firearm ownership from groups deemed “untrustworthy,” including ones that are far removed from today’s understanding of civil liberties. When our Constitution was written, the right to bear arms was seen as a critical check on power—not a privilege reserved for only the most socially approved citizens.

By stretching historical context to justify selective disarmament, the court pursues a dangerous slope. Our founding principles never hinged on moral perfection. On the contrary, they emphasized **inherent rights**, not government-granted privileges. It is chilling to see unelected judges reinterpret history in ways that undermine the very fabric of the Bill of Rights.

Pro-Gun Americans Must Stay Vigilant

Here in South Carolina, and especially at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, we believe in equipping responsible citizens with the training, confidence, and legal knowledge to own and carry firearms safely. We also believe it is our duty to speak up when our rights are under siege by left-leaning courts and ideologically driven rulings.

This recent decision is particularly troubling because it tells Americans that their constitutional rights do not return once they’ve served their sentence—even for non-violent crimes. That’s not justice. That’s authoritarianism by legal precedent.

The Bigger Picture

The trouble goes beyond this one ruling. It feeds a broader climate of incremental gun control, often carried out not by legislation, but through judicial activism. The strategy? Whittle down the Second Amendment one chipped decision at a time, until it’s all but meaningless.

Make no mistake:

• This isn’t about public safety. Non-violent felons aren’t statistically more likely to commit gun violence.
• This undermines rehabilitation. If a person can’t fully reintegrate into society—even after demonstrating decades of good behavior—what is the point of our justice system’s focus on reform?
• This opens the door to future bans. Today it’s non-violent felons. Tomorrow it could be people with past mental health diagnoses, or those who defaulted on student loans. Where does it end?

What We Believe at Fortress Firearms Training

We believe that the **right to keep and bear arms is non-negotiable**. It’s foundational to the safety, sovereignty, and liberty of every American citizen. Disarming a law-abiding citizen who committed a non-violent crime decades ago does absolutely nothing to reduce gun violence—but it does a lot to normalize constitutional erosion.

That’s why we remain committed not just to teaching safe firearms handling, but also to defending the principles behind that training. Because your right to defend yourself, your family, and your home is too important to be left up to interpretation by courts that don’t share your values.

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

If you’re concerned about how rulings like this one can affect your rights, the first step is education. At Fortress Firearms Training, we offer more than technical shooting skills—we offer the legal insights and situational awareness you need to responsibly and confidently exercise your Second Amendment rights.

• Beginner and advanced firearms courses designed to build safety and confidence
• South Carolina CWP (Concealed Weapons Permit) training to stay legally protected
• Ongoing legal education to stay current with shifting gun laws and rights

Don’t wait until your rights are on the chopping block. Join the thousands of responsible gun owners fighting for liberty with both knowledge and training at your side.

Final Thoughts

The Ninth Circuit’s decision to uphold the gun ban for non-violent felons isn’t just a legal error—it’s a rejection of the core values that make America free. It’s critical for patriots to get involved, stay informed, and push back against rulings and laws that incrementally strip away our freedoms. This is not the time for silence or passivity—it’s a time for proactive defense of our rights.

Stand strong. Stay trained. And never forget—our rights are worth defending.

For more resources, training opportunities, or to schedule a class, visit Fortress Firearms Training today.