Last mentioned: Mar 25, 2026
DoD Response
Pentagon officials announce they are reviewing the ruling and considering an appeal to the D.C. Circuit.
Federal Ruling
Judge rules the policy is an unconstitutional prior restraint on free speech.
Standard Briefing
Expected window for standard appellate briefing and oral arguments.
Motion Denied
The presiding judge rejects the request for a fast-track appeal.
DC Appeal Filed
The District of Columbia files a formal appeal and a motion to expedite the process.
Lawsuit Filed
Press advocacy groups file a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the pre-clearance policy.
Initial Ruling
Lower court strikes down DC's 10-round magazine limit as unconstitutional.
Policy Update
Pentagon updates 'Media Ground Rules' to increase PAO oversight of all interviews.
A federal judge has rejected the District of Columbia's request to expedite an appeal of a ruling that challenged the city's ban on high-capacity firearm magazines. The decision forces the District to follow standard appellate procedures, prolonging the legal uncertainty surrounding its gun control measures.
A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Defense's restrictive media access and pre-publication review policies violate the First Amendment. The decision marks a significant legal defeat for the Pentagon, potentially ending decades of 'prior restraint' on how service members and journalists interact.