In a recent development, the Supreme Court has upheld its decision to keep a Missouri law on hold, which prohibits police officers from enforcing federal gun laws. This decision comes after the state made an emergency appeal to have the law enforced while the court fight continues.

The Missouri law, enacted in 2019, imposes a hefty fine of $50,000 on any law enforcement officer who knowingly enforces federal gun laws that contradict state restrictions. These federal laws include registration and tracking requirements, as well as the possession of firearms by certain individuals with domestic violence offense records.

Initially, the law was deemed unconstitutional by a District Court judge. However, it was allowed to remain in effect while the state pursued an appeal. Subsequently, a federal appeals court stepped in and blocked enforcement of the law until the state's appeal of the District Court ruling concludes.

It is worth noting that on Friday, Justice Clarence Thomas was the sole member of the Supreme Court to side with Missouri, signaling a divergence of opinion among the justices on this matter.

This ruling follows a 2022 Supreme Court decision authored by Justice Thomas, which expanded gun rights. In the upcoming month, the Court is set to hear arguments in the first case stemming from that ruling. The case involves the invalidation of a federal law aimed at preventing individuals facing domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms.

The outcome of this ongoing legal battle will have far-reaching implications for the balance between state and federal gun laws, as well as the rights of law enforcement officers when it comes to enforcing these laws. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by both advocates and opponents of stricter gun control measures.