DC Natl. Guard, The Cornell 7, & New SCOTUS Term
Larry O'Connor
Mon, Oct 5, 2026
By Larry O'Connor, Townhall.com
In this interview, Hans Von Spakovsky, Senior Legal Fellow at Advancing American Freedom, discusses several pressing legal issues. First, he addresses the case of an Oklahoma National Guard member arrested in Washington, DC, for having a personal firearm, despite being legally allowed to carry it in his home state. Von Spakovsky argues that prosecuting this case could set a significant precedent for challenging DC's restrictive gun laws. Next, the conversation shifts to the Cornell University sexual assault case where seven students have been accused but not criminally charged. Von Spakovsky questions the credibility of the accuser who initially stated that the encounter was consensual but later filed a civil suit. He warns against potential political and social pressures influencing the District Attorney's decision to pursue criminal charges. Von Spakovsky also talks about the Vera Montage Supreme Court case, which focuses on the legality of bans on semi-automatic rifles, commonly referred to as assault weapons. He stresses the importance of this case in determining the extent to which states can regulate firearms based on appearance rather than function. Additionally, he explains the significance of the SAVE database, which helps verify voter citizenship, and criticizes the injunction that prevented states from using it. Von Spakovsky also touches upon the ethical concerns surrounding the leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion, emphasizing the need for accountability. This discussion provides insightful analysis on various legal matters, offering perspectives on gun control, sexual assault allegations, firearm regulations, and election integrity.