DOJ begins taking applications for restoration of firearms rights
WASHINGTON — On September 25, the Justice Department sent the first wave of invitations to applicants to begin applying for restoration of their firearms rights, under a final rule announced on August 17.
The first wave is by invitation only.
- November 4, 2026: Application opens to the public (the first 5,000 candidates can apply)
- January 4, 2027: Application opens to the public (500 more candidates can apply, and the application fee will begin)
Learn more about the program on the dedicated DOJ site.
ATF director addresses Form 4473 transfers related to Texas district court injunction
DALLAS — On August 28, ATF Director Robert Cekada promised guidance to individuals, FFLs, and manufacturers on how the ATF would interpret the district court ruling in Texas as it relates to transfers of untaxed firearms.
Nearly a month later, according to reporting at AmmoLand, Director Cekada is saying “he expects new guidance to be released in a couple of weeks.”
However, during his briefing at an industry event for FFLs in Dallas, Texas, Director Cekada shared two positive developments:
- ATF IOIs (Industry Operations Investigators) are told not to count Form 4473 suppressor transfers as violations.
- The [ATF’s] goal of the guidance will be to expand the injunction as much as possible while protecting items for future administrations.
Giffords to spend $10 million backing midterm candidates
WASHINGTON — Gun control group Giffords announced that it will spend $10 million to push their preferred candidates in races in Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia.
According to one source, Giffords will execute “a $10 million ad blitz against Republicans in three crucial races, with plans to expand the campaign in the coming weeks.”
Giffords has accused the gun industry of “buying” the votes of Republican candidates.
Earlier this week, Gabby Giffords posted a video in which she appeared with the executive director of the group to denounce the fact that the DOJ’s legal office has provided guidance confirming that young adults are entitled to the full suite of constitutionally protected liberties, including gun ownership.
2026 Alternative Mass Media Conference draws special guests, Tate Adamiak and Barry Arrington
IRVING, Texas — The 2026 Alternative Mass Media Conference and Second Amendment workshop, now in its 10th year, hosted by Second Amendment Foundation, drew a who’s who of attendees, including recently pardoned Tate Adamiak and Lee Williams, who wrote more than 50 articles about Mr. Adamiak’s indictment and case.
Also present were Mark Smith, legal scholar and host of Four Boxes Diner YouTube channel, Kostas Moros, Director of Legal Research and Education for the Second Amendment Foundation, and Bill Kirk, host of Washington Gun Law, amongst many others. Barry Arrington, head of the newly formed Second Amendment Section of the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ, was also in attendance and served as a speaker at the following Gun Rights Policy Conference.
“The AMM-Con Committee is thrilled to bring together voices from all corners of the media world to share knowledge and strengthen the Second Amendment community. This event is about empowering everyone – from seasoned journalists to everyday advocates – to tell compelling stories that resonate,” said Charlie Cook, AMM-Con Committee chair.
