In Viramontes v. Cook County, a challenge to Cook County, Illinois’ ban on so-called “assault weapons,” the Minnesota Gun Owners Law Center and the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus have filed an amicus brief at the US Supreme Court in support of the petitioners. The Court is hearing the case together with Grant v. Higgins, a challenge to Connecticut’s ban from the Second Circuit, and will hear argument on December 2, 2026.
Lower courts have upheld these bans by calling the AR-15 a “civilian analogue” of the military’s M16. Our brief tells the AR-15’s real history and argues that its military origins confirm, rather than undermine, its protection under the Second Amendment.
Our brief makes five arguments:
- The AR-15 was designed, tested, and fielded as a military rifle, and that history confirms it is an “arm” protected by the Second Amendment.
- American small-arms development has always crossed between private and military use, and service arms have long been favored by civilians.
- The Founding-era militia presupposed that citizens privately owned military arms. The Militia Act of 1792 made it a legal duty.
- Military usefulness cannot make a commonly owned arm “dangerous and unusual.”
- A “military resemblance” exception has no limiting principle. Colorado’s new law already reaches most semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with detachable magazines, and in May 2026 the Minnesota Senate passed a semi-auto and magazine ban (SF 4067) by a single vote before it failed.
We are joined in this Amicus Curiae Brief by:
- The Colorado State Shooting Association
Last updated: September 4, 2026
Case Details
Case Title
Cutberto Viramontes, et al. v. Cook County, Illinois, et al., consolidated with Eddie Grant, Jr., et al. v. Ronnell Higgins, et al.
US Supreme Court Case #
25-238 and 25-566
Our Brief
On our website, you can read our Amicus Brief filed in the United States Supreme Court on September 4, 2026.
Counsel of Record
In this case, we are represented by Rob T. Doar of the Minnesota Gun Owners Law Center. Matthew Larosiere contributed to the brief and is counsel of record.
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Our lawsuits and amicus briefs are underwritten by the Minnesota Gun Owners Support Fund, doing business as the MN Gun Owners Law Center, a 501(c)(3). Gifts may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.