Case: United States v. State Of California

8:26-cv-01697 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Filed Date: July 1, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

(This summary is temporary while we research this case.) On July 1, 2026, the United States of America filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against the State of California and Robert Bonta, in his official capacity as California Attorney General, challenging two state firearms laws as unconstitutional. The complaint alleged that the first challenged law effectively banned Glock and Glock-style pistols from retail sale in California, in violation of…

(This summary is temporary while we research this case.)

On July 1, 2026, the United States of America filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against the State of California and Robert Bonta, in his official capacity as California Attorney General, challenging two state firearms laws as unconstitutional. The complaint alleged that the first challenged law effectively banned Glock and Glock-style pistols from retail sale in California, in violation of the Second Amendment as interpreted by District of Columbia v. Heller. The second challenged law, California's Unsafe Handgun Act (UHA), imposed requirements leaving only "grandfathered" models the legislature itself deemed "unsafe" available for sale, with no historical analog in the nation's tradition of firearm regulation as required under New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass'n, Inc. v. Bruen.

The United States brought its sole claim under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, 34 U.S.C. § 12601(a), alleging that California law enforcement officers' enforcement of both laws constituted a pattern or practice of conduct depriving persons of their Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights. As relief, the United States sought declaratory and permanent injunctive relief barring enforcement of the challenged laws and requiring defendants to adopt corrective policies and procedures.

This case is ongoing.

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73561581/parties/united-states-v-state-of-california/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Arrington, Barry K. (California)

Hamill, Julie Ann (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Hanley, Viviana Maria (California)

McCall, Christina Marie (California)

McGraw, Sabrina T (California)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

8:26-cv-01697

Complaint

United States of America v. State Of California

July 1, 2026

July 1, 2026

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73561581/united-states-v-state-of-california/

Last updated Sept. 8, 2026, 3:08 a.m.

Docket for: United States v. State Of California
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 July 1, 2026

COMPLAINT No Fee Required - US Government, filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attorney Barry K. Arrington added to party UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(pty:pla))(Arrington, Barry) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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2 July 1, 2026

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Arrington, Barry) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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3 July 1, 2026

EX PARTE APPLICATION for Temporary Restraining Order as to Enjoin enforcement of statute filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Ex Parte Application set for hearing on 7/2/2026 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Paul L. Abrams. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum of Points and Authorities, # 2 Declaration, # 3 Declaration, # 4 Proposed Order) (Arrington, Barry) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

1 Memorandum of Points and Authorities

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2 Declaration

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3 Declaration

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4 Proposed Order

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4 July 1, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Patrick Daniel Todd counsel for Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Adding Patrick Todd as counsel of record for United States of America for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by plaintiff United States of America. (Attorney Patrick Daniel Todd added to party UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(pty:pla))(Todd, Patrick) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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5 July 1, 2026

NOTICE of Related Case(s) filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Related Case(s): 8:22-cv-1421 (Arrington, Barry) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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6 July 1, 2026

Request for Clerk to Issue Summons on Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 filed by plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Todd, Patrick) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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7 July 1, 2026

Request for Clerk to Issue Summons on Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 filed by plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Todd, Patrick) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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8 July 1, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Julie Ann Hamill counsel for Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Adding Julie Ann Hamill as counsel of record for United States of America for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attorney Julie Ann Hamill added to party UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(pty:pla))(Hamill, Julie) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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9 July 1, 2026

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Anne Hwang and Magistrate Judge Michael B. Kaufman. (mza) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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10 July 1, 2026

NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (mza) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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11 July 1, 2026

Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (mza) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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12 July 1, 2026

21 DAY Summons Issued re Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 as to Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California. (mza) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

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13 July 2, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff United States of America, upon Defendant State Of California served on 7/1/2026, answer due 7/22/2026. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon M. BROOKS, DOJ Officer/Authorized to Accept Service in compliance with Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by substituted service at business address and no service by mail was executed (Todd, Patrick) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

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14 July 2, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff United States of America, upon Defendant Robert Bonta served on 7/1/2026, answer due 7/22/2026. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon M. BROOKS, DOJ Officer/Authorized to Accept Service in compliance with Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by substituted service at business address and no service by mail was executed (Todd, Patrick) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

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15 July 2, 2026

(Attorney Christina Marie McCall added to party Robert Bonta(pty:dft))(McCall, Christina) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

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16 July 2, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Sabrina T McGraw counsel for Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California. Adding Sabrina McGraw as counsel of record for State of California and Attorney General Robert Bonta for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants State of California and Attorney General Robert Bonta. (Attorney Sabrina T McGraw added to party Robert Bonta(pty:dft), Attorney Sabrina T McGraw added to party State Of California(pty:dft))(McGraw, Sabrina) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

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17 July 2, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Charles Joseph Sarosy counsel for Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California. Adding Charles J. Sarosy as counsel of record for State of California, California Attorney General Robert Bonta for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by defendants State of California, California Attorney General Robert Bonta. (Attorney Charles Joseph Sarosy added to party Robert Bonta(pty:dft), Attorney Charles Joseph Sarosy added to party State Of California(pty:dft))(Sarosy, Charles) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

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18 July 2, 2026

First NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Edward P. Wolfe on behalf of Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Service)(Attorney Edward P. Wolfe added to party Robert Bonta(pty:dft), Attorney Edward P. Wolfe added to party State Of California(pty:dft))(Wolfe, Edward) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

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19 July 2, 2026

OPPOSITION re: EX PARTE APPLICATION for Temporary Restraining Order as to Enjoin enforcement of statute 3 Defendants Opposition to Plaintiffs Ex Parte Application for Temporary Restraining Order (ECF 3) filed by Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Sabrina T. Mcgraw in Support of Defendants Opposition to Plaintiffs Ex Parte Application for Temporary Restraining Order (ECF 3))(Wolfe, Edward) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

1 Declaration Declaration of Sabrina T. Mcgraw in Support of Defendants Opposition

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20 July 5, 2026

REPLY in support EX PARTE APPLICATION for Temporary Restraining Order as to Enjoin enforcement of statute 3 filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Ex. A, # 2 Ex. B, # 3 Declaration)(Arrington, Barry) (Entered: 07/05/2026)

1 Ex. A

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2 Ex. B

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3 Declaration

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21 July 6, 2026

SCHEDULING NOTICE TEXT ENTRY ONLY by Judge Anne Hwang re: Plaintiff United States of America filed a notice of related case in this action. Dkt. No. 3 . In light of the pending Ex Parte Application for Temporary Restraining Order, Defendants shall file any objections or a notice of non-objection to the notice of related case by July 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (cgm) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 07/06/2026)

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22 July 6, 2026

RESPONSE filed by Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of Californiato Notice of Related Case(s) 5 (McGraw, Sabrina) (Entered: 07/06/2026)

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25 July 6, 2026

Amicus Brief filed by Patrick James Simmons (es) (Entered: 07/08/2026)

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July 6, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

23 July 7, 2026

ORDER RE TRANSFER PURSUANT to this Court's General Order in the Matter of Assignment of Cases and Duties to the District Judges. Related Case- filed. Related Case No: 8:22-cv-01421-MRA-ADSx. Case transferred from Judge Anne Hwang and Magistrate Judge Michael B. Kaufman to Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani and Magistrate Judge Autumn D. Spaeth for all further proceedings. The case number will now reflect the initials of the transferee Judge 8:26-cv-01697-MRA-ADSx. Signed by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani. (lh) (Entered: 07/07/2026)

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24 July 8, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Viviana Maria Hanley on behalf of Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California (Attorney Viviana Maria Hanley added to party Robert Bonta(pty:dft), Attorney Viviana Maria Hanley added to party State Of California(pty:dft))(Hanley, Viviana) (Entered: 07/08/2026)

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26 July 9, 2026

MINUTES (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF'S EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER 3 by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadan Denying 3 EX PARTE APPLICATION for TRO: For the foregoing reasons, the TRO Application 3 is DENIED. The United States may renew its request through a regularly noticed motion for a preliminary injunction. (see document for further details) (bm) (Entered: 07/09/2026)

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27 July 16, 2026

STIPULATION Extending Time to Answer the complaint as to Robert Bonta answer now due 7/28/2026; State Of California answer now due 7/28/2026, re Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 filed by Defendants Robert Bonta; State Of California. (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Service)(Wolfe, Edward) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

1 Proof of Service

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28 July 28, 2026

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff United States of America. Motion set for hearing on 9/1/2026 at 10:00 AM before Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Proposed Order) (Arrington, Barry) (Entered: 07/28/2026)

1 Declaration

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2 Proposed Order

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29 July 28, 2026

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case Defendants' Notice of Motion and Memorandum of Points and Authorities In Support of Motion to Dismiss Complaint filed by Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California. Motion set for hearing on 9/1/2026 at 10:00 AM before Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Request for Judicial Notice, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Proposed Order, # 12 Proof of Service) (Wolfe, Edward) (Entered: 07/28/2026)

1 Declaration

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2 Request for Judicial Notice

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3 Exhibit

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4 Exhibit

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5 Exhibit

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6 Exhibit

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7 Exhibit

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8 Exhibit

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9 Exhibit

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10 Exhibit

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11 Proposed Order

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12 Proof of Service

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30 July 29, 2026

ORDER SETTING SCHEDULING CONFERENCE by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani: Scheduling Conference set for Tuesday 10/6/2026 at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. The parties' Joint Rule 26(f) report and proposed scheduling worksheet must be filed at least fourteen (14) days before the Scheduling Conference. *See Order for further details.* (mku) (Entered: 07/29/2026)

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31 July 30, 2026

Joint STIPULATION to Continue Stipulation to Continue Hearing Date and Amend Briefing Schedule for Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Complaint. from September 1, 2026 to September 8, 2026 Re: NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case Defendants' Notice of Motion and Memorandum of Points and Authorities In Support of Motion to Dismiss Complaint 29, NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction 28 filed by Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Proposed Order, # 3 Proof of Service)(Wolfe, Edward) (Entered: 07/30/2026)

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32 July 31, 2026

ORDER GRANTING Stipulation 31 to Continue Hearing Date and Amend Briefing Schedule for Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction 28 and Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Complaint 29 to 9/8/2026 at 10:00 AM., by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani. See Order for further information and deadlines set. (jp) (Entered: 08/03/2026)

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33 Aug. 4, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Matthew J. Craig counsel for Amicus Parties Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Adding Matthew J. Craig as counsel of record for Amicus Curiae Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Amicus Curiae Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (Attorney Matthew J. Craig added to party Former Civil Rights Division Officials(pty:am), Attorney Matthew J. Craig added to party Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence(pty:am), Attorney Matthew J. Craig added to party Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence(pty:am))(Craig, Matthew) (Entered: 08/04/2026)

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34 Aug. 4, 2026

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Nicolas Riley to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Amicus Parties Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-42970248) filed by Amicus Curiae Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Craig, Matthew) (Entered: 08/04/2026)

1 Proposed Order

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35 Aug. 4, 2026

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Stephen Prifti to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Amicus Parties Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-42970301) filed by Amicus Curiae Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Craig, Matthew) (Entered: 08/04/2026)

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36 Aug. 4, 2026

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Leave to file Amicus Brief filed by Amicus Curiae Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Motion set for hearing on 9/8/2026 at 10:00 AM before Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Declaration of Nicolas Riley, # 2 Exhibit B - Proposed Brief of Amici Curiae, # 3 Exhibit C - Appendix, # 4 Proposed Order) (Craig, Matthew) (Entered: 08/04/2026)

1 Exhibit A - Declaration of Nicolas Riley

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2 Exhibit B - Proposed Brief of Amici Curiae

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3 Exhibit C - Appendix

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4 Proposed Order

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37 Aug. 6, 2026

TEXT ONLY ORDER GRANTING 1) APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Nicolas Riley to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Amicus Parties Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence 34 and 2) APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Stephen Prifti to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Amicus Parties Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence 35 pursuant to the Court's directive. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (mku) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 08/06/2026)

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Aug. 6, 2026

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38 Aug. 10, 2026

REQUEST for Leave of Barry Arrington, Tristan Silva, and Patrick Todd to Appear for Remote hearing filed by Plaintiff United States of America. Request set for hearing on 9/8/2026 at 10:00 AM before Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Patrick Todd, # 2 Proposed Order Proposed Order) (Todd, Patrick) (Entered: 08/10/2026)

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39 Aug. 13, 2026

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Trisha Anderson to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Amicus Parties Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-43043266) filed by Amicus Parties Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Craig, Matthew) (Entered: 08/13/2026)

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40 Aug. 14, 2026

TEXT ONLY ORDER GRANTING APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Trisha Anderson to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Amicus Parties Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Former Civil Rights Division Officials, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence 39 pursuant to the Court's directive. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (mku) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 08/14/2026)

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41 Aug. 14, 2026

ORDER DENYING Plaintiff's Request for Remote Appearance 38 by Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani. See document for further information. (jp) (Entered: 08/14/2026)

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Aug. 14, 2026

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42 Aug. 25, 2026

OPPOSITION to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case Defendants' Notice of Motion and Memorandum of Points and Authorities In Support of Motion to Dismiss Complaint 29 filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Arrington, Barry) (Entered: 08/25/2026)

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43 Aug. 25, 2026

OPPOSITION to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction 28 filed by Defendants Robert Bonta, State Of California. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Brennan Rivas, # 2 Declaration of Brian Delay, # 3 Declaration of Lindsay S. Regele, # 4 Declaration of Michael Vorenberg, # 5 Declaration of Randolph Roth, # 6 Declaration of Robert J. Spitzer, # 7 Declaration of Salvador Gonzalez, # 8 Proof of Service)(Wolfe, Edward) (Entered: 08/25/2026)

1 Declaration of Brennan Rivas

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2 Declaration of Brian Delay

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3 Declaration of Lindsay S. Regele

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4 Declaration of Michael Vorenberg

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5 Declaration of Randolph Roth

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6 Declaration of Robert J. Spitzer

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7 Declaration of Salvador Gonzalez

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8 Proof of Service

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44 Sept. 1, 2026

REPLY in support of NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Preliminary Injunction 28 filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Arrington, Barry) (Entered: 09/01/2026)

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45 Sept. 1, 2026

Reply (Motion related)

1 Proof of Service

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46 Sept. 4, 2026

Appear

1 Declaration of Counsel Stephen Prifti

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2 Proposed Order

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations By the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: July 1, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Central District of California 8:26-cv-01697

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Recommended Citation