Judge dismisses gun lawsuit from Idaho, other states

HELENA, Mont. — A federal judge in Missoula is dismissing a lawsuit launched by gun rights advocates and states seeking freedom from federal gun laws. The decision from U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy was expected since his magistrate a month ago recommended tossing out the lawsuit. The decision sides with the U.S. Department of Justice, which says Congress can set standards on such items as guns through its power to regulate interstate commerce. Gun control advocates who also joined in the case welcomed the decision. The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence says the court rejected a “dangerous, misguided and unconstitutional law.” Montana, Utah, Alabama, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wyoming and West Virginia were seeking freedom from federal gun laws.