Judge Strikes Down DC Ban on Handguns Outside Home

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that the District of Columbia's ban on carrying handguns outside the home is unconstitutional.

In a 19-page ruling made public Saturday, U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin concluded that the Second Amendment gives people the right to carry a gun outside their home for self-defense.

The lawsuit challenging the city's ban was filed in 2009 by three District of Columbia residents, a New Hampshire resident and the Washington state-based Second Amendment Foundation.

The group's lawyer, Alan Gura, said he was pleased with the decision. The city has the option to appeal the ruling.

(Story by: Jessica Gresko, The Associated Press)