What: Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed its opening brief with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Ziegenfuss v. Martin, challenging Texas’s carry bans in numerous ordinary public places following the district court’s misguided opinion upholding the bans.
Who: The plaintiffs include FPC and FPC members. The plaintiffs are represented by Bradley A. Benbrook, Stephen M. Duvernay, and Jamie G. McWilliam of Benbrook Law Group, P.C. as well as R. Brent Cooper of Cooper & Scully, P.C.
Where: The brief was filed at the federal Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Fifth Circuit has jurisdiction of appeals from federal district courts in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
When: FPC’s opening brief was filed on June 15, 2026.
Why: Texas bans the carrying of firearms in businesses where alcohol comprises 51% or more of sales, at racetracks, and at sporting events. Under the Second Amendment’s text and our Nation’s historical tradition, these locations cannot be treated as so-called “sensitive places.” FPC filed this appeal to end enforcement of these unconstitutional carry bans and continue building on its track record of victories protecting the right to bear arms throughout the United States.
Quote: “The Second Amendment cannot be redlined out of existence through laws that are incompatible with the Constitution’s text and our Nation’s history. But that is exactly what Texas is trying to do here. Under binding Supreme Court precedent, Texas cannot criminalize carrying firearms in ordinary places people visit every day, like restaurants, sporting events, and racetracks. Our brief explains why the Fifth Circuit should reverse the trial court’s misguided decision and order these unconstitutional carry bans struck down. We will proudly continue to Fight Forward until every state—whether led by Republicans, Democrats, or anyone else—fully respects the rights of its residents.” — 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.
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