Judge Strikes Down California’s Anti-Gun Permit Restriction

In a victory for freedom-loving Americans and constitutionalists everywhere, U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo has struck down California’s unconstitutional restrictions on concealed carry permits for nonresidents. It is yet another reminder that the Constitution means precisely what it says—and that no state, no matter how liberal or influential, can rewrite our fundamental liberties to fit their ideological agenda.

In her decisive ruling issued Tuesday in the case Hoffman v. Bonta, Judge Bencivengo declared unequivocally that California’s provisions “barring nonresidents from applying for CCW licenses violate the Constitution.” Her judgment is a critical win not only for the plaintiffs, including Christopher J. Hoffman and the dedicated patriots at the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), but for every American who believes in the unwavering sanctity of the Second Amendment.

To understand why this decision matters, we must first recognize the dangerous precedent California sought to establish. By denying concealed carry permits to nonresidents, California essentially argued that Americans lose their constitutional rights when they cross state lines. This absurd premise not only defies common sense, it defies the very fabric of our nation—a Union bound by shared rights, freedoms, and responsibilities.

Judge Bencivengo saw through this charade, firmly rejecting California’s twisted logic. In her ruling, she noted that California “in effect … [argues] that nonresidents do not qualify as ‘the people.’” But as Judge Bencivengo rightly pointed out, neither the Supreme Court nor the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ever defined “the people” so narrowly. The rights enshrined in our Constitution are meant for all American citizens, regardless of the state they call home.

Bencivengo wrote, “The provisions barring nonresidents from applying for CCW licenses violate the Constitution.”

The significance of this cannot be overstated. California’s attempt to deny Americans their fundamental right to bear arms based solely on residency is a direct assault on our constitutional freedoms. Thankfully, the courts have once again stepped in to defend liberty against leftist authoritarianism.

This ruling also underscores the critical importance of recent Supreme Court decisions like Bruen (2022), which clarified the scope and strength of the Second Amendment. Without Bruen, states like California would still be emboldened to chip away at our freedoms, using twisted legal theories to justify blatant constitutional infringements. With this latest decision, it becomes ever clearer that the Bruen ruling is already proving instrumental in protecting and restoring our rightful freedoms.

Yet, we must remain vigilant. While this decision is undoubtedly a victory, California’s anti-gun bureaucrats and their Democrat allies across the nation will not relent easily. Their ultimate goal remains unchanged: dismantling the Second Amendment piece by piece, until responsible gun ownership becomes impossible for everyday Americans.

We must continue to demand accountability from lawmakers and judges alike. Americans deserve laws that respect their constitutional rights, not policies crafted by activist politicians determined to rewrite our founding principles. President Trump’s unwavering appointments of constitutionalist judges have laid the groundwork for rulings like this one—and show precisely why judicial appointments remain one of the most crucial battles in our ongoing culture war.

This latest court victory is a rallying cry for patriots everywhere. It is proof positive that when we stand firm on constitutional principles, we can—and we will—prevail against the radical left’s relentless assaults on our liberties. The Firearms Policy Coalition deserves our gratitude and support as they remain on the frontline of this essential battle for freedom.

In the coming days, Judge Bencivengo has ordered both parties “to meet and confer and submit a proposed order for an injunction consistent with this order within 30 days.” We must pay close attention to the details and ensure that California does not attempt another sly maneuver to circumvent this clear judicial directive.

Let this ruling serve as a reminder to every state and every politician tempted to infringe upon our rights: the Constitution is non-negotiable, and Americans will always stand ready to defend it.