Justice Department sues Missouri over Second Amendment sanctuary law: 'A state cannot simply declare federal laws invalid'

President Joe Biden's Department of Justice filed a lawsuit this week against Missouri, seeking to unravel a state law that aims to protect the Second Amendment rights of state residents against federal gun control policies.

What's the background?

In June 2021, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed House Bill 85 into law, establishing the Second Amendment Preservation Act in Missouri. The law, according to Parson, drew "a line in the sand" and declared the state was committed to rejecting "any attempt by the federal government to circumvent the fundamental right Missourians have to keep and bear arms to protect themselves and their property.”

The law prohibited state and local cooperation with federal officials who attempt to enforce laws, rules, orders, or actions that violate the fundamental Second Amendment rights of state residents and made any person or entity who knowingly deprived Missouri citizens of their right to bear arms liable for redress and monetary damages of $50,000.