Breaking news continues to emerge from the U.S. Supreme Court, and this time the Court is signaling serious interest in multiple high-profile Second Amendment cases. Most notably, the Supreme Court has ordered the state of Illinois to submit a brief explaining why certiorari should not be granted in Shoenthal v. Raoul, a challenge to Illinois’ ban on carrying firearms on public transit under so-called “sensitive place” laws.

This demand alone is significant. When the Supreme Court asks a state to justify why it should not hear a case, it’s a clear sign that the Justices are actively considering stepping in.

The Court has already granted certiorari in two major Second Amendment cases this term:

• United States v. Rahimi – A challenge to 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which bans firearm possession by unlawful drug users. While the individual defendant is unlikely to prevail, the Court’s reasoning could reshape how prohibited-person laws are evaluated.
• Wolford v. Lopez – A challenge to Hawaii’s “vampire rule,” which effectively bans lawful carry on most private property open to the public without express consent. This case is widely expected to strengthen carry rights nationwide.
• Several cases were denied cert, including challenges to the National Firearms Act and Commerce Clause challenges to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Meanwhile, numerous cases involving non-violent felons and young adults aged 18–20 are likely being held by the Court pending decisions in Rahimi and Wolford, setting the stage for future remands.
  

The biggest unanswered question remains: when will the Supreme Court take an AR-15 ban case? Justice Brett Kavanaugh has already signaled that the issue must be resolved “soon.” While the Court may not grant cert this term due to an already packed docket, strong candidates are lining up for next term—including cases out of the Seventh and Third Circuits involving AR-15 and magazine bans.

With sensitive-place laws, carry rights, prohibited-person statutes, and hardware bans all moving through the Court simultaneously, the next 6–12 months could define the future of the Second Amendment. The Supreme Court’s actions suggest not hesitation—but preparation.

Gun owners should pay close attention. Major decisions are coming.