Gun-Control Groups Tell Court Americans Have No Right to Body Armor

Summary

A federal Second Amendment lawsuit, Heeter v. James, is challenging New York's body armor ban in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. Gun control groups like Brady, Giffords, and Everytown filed an amicus brief on April 29, 2026, arguing body armor is not a protected "arm" and citing mass shooter incidents, while Firearms Policy Coalition and Armored Republic argue it is defensive equipment protected by the Second Amendment.