The Tactical Wire

Tuesday, March 31, 2026  ■  Courts

FPC Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging National Park Carry Bans

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a new federal lawsuit, Zimmerman v. Bondi, challenging the federal laws and regulations banning firearms in facilities and other areas within national parks. FPC is seeking a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the carry bans as well as other relief.

The plaintiffs challenging the ban include one FPC member and the Second Amendment Foundation. The plaintiffs are represented by R. Brent Cooper of Cooper & Scully, P.C., along with David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson, and William V. Bergstrom of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC.

The complaint was filed on March 27, 2026. Likely next steps include an answer from the defendant and a briefing schedule from the District Court.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

The carry bans unconstitutionally deprive individuals of the right to keep and bear arms in what are indisputably public places where the need for self-defense may arise. They also clearly contradict the Supreme Court's holding that governments cannot ban carry wherever people may congregate or assemble.

"FPC just filed a new Second Amendment lawsuit to end the federal government's unconstitutional ban on carry in national parks. The right to bear arms doesn't stop at the park gate, and peaceable people can't be disarmed just because they walk into a visitor center or ranger station. We're going to force the government to respect the right to bear arms, period" -FPC President Brandon Combs.

About Firearms Policy Coalition: Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) is a nonprofit membership organization that exists to create a world of maximal individual liberty and eliminate unconstitutional gun control laws. FPC works—and wins—for the People through high-impact strategic litigation, groundbreaking research, legislative and regulatory advocacy, grassroots activism, education, and public engagement. FPC's legal division, FPC Law, is the nation's leading initiative dedicated to restoring the right to keep and bear arms across the United States. To learn more about how FPC is working—and winning—for the People, sign up for FPC news alerts at firearmspolicy.org and follow FPC on X, Instagram, and Facebook.