Supreme Court to hear challenge to AR-15 bans

AR-15s are among the most common semi-automatic rifles in the nation. The model has drawn scrutiny, however, over its prevalent use by mass shooters.

By Ben Whedon

Published: June 30, 2026 12:37pm

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a challenge to bans on AR-15s and similar semi-automatic rifles that could impact states that have implemented strict gun control measures.

The justices granted a writ of certiori and consolidated two cases addressing bans on commonly owned firearms, including AR-15s. The petitioners specifically challenge restrictions in Illinois and Connecticut, two states with some of the strictest gun regulations in the nation.

AR-15s are among the most common semi-automatic rifles in the nation. The model has drawn scrutiny, however, over its prevalent use by mass shooters.

But the Supreme Court's recent Second Amendment cases have seen the justices err on the side of a permissive interpretation. This term, the court struck down restrictions on concealed carry permit holders in Hawaii.

The justices previously struck down sweeping concealed carry restrictions in New York.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.