The Department of Justice has taken a new position in a major Second Amendment case—and it should concern every American who values the right to keep and bear arms.

In Knife Rights, Inc. v. Bondi, currently before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the DOJ is defending the federal ban on switchblades. While the case centers on knives, the language used by the DOJ goes far beyond blades and directly impacts firearms and other bearable arms.

In its brief, the DOJ argues that “there is no constitutional right to carry concealed or inherently concealable weapons.” Let that sink in. According to the DOJ, if an arm is capable of being concealed, it may fall outside Second Amendment protection.

That interpretation would place nearly all modern pistols, folding knives, and other commonly carried defensive tools at risk. The Second Amendment makes no distinction based on size, method of carry, or concealability. It simply states that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

The Bill of Rights was never meant to regulate the people—it was written to restrain the government. Yet this DOJ position suggests history supports broad bans on arms solely because they can be concealed, a claim that contradicts both constitutional text and long-standing precedent.

Whether this argument ultimately succeeds or fails, its implications are serious. If accepted, it could open the door to future restrictions on everyday carry weapons nationwide.

This case is one to watch closely. The DOJ’s stance represents a troubling shift—and one that gun owners should not ignore.