Cheshire Attorney Brings Lawsuit Challenging Prohibition On Carrying Handguns In State Parks & Forests

Attorney Cameron Atkinson and Atkinson Law are honored to announce that they have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of Cheshire attorney David J. Nastri to challenge Connecticut’s prohibition on carrying handguns in state parks and forests. The case is Nastri v. Dykes, 3:23-cv-00056, and it will be heard in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. Attorney Atkinson will file a motion for a preliminary injunction as soon as a judge is assigned to the case.

Attorney Atkinson says of Nastri: “Attorney Nastri’s qualifications are impeccable, and I can think of no one more qualified to exercise his Second Amendment right in Connecticut state parks and forests than him. It is my honor to represent him in this matter.

He is a United States Army combat veteran, an organ donor, a respected financial advisor, and an attorney who devotes substantial time to providing pro bono assistance to veterans in need. He has held a Connecticut pistol permit in good standing for more than 30 years, and he has received more training than the average person ever will on the safe and responsible use of firearms. His lifetime commitment to serving his community is admirable, and his desire to keep defending our liberties per the oath he took as a soldier inspired him to challenge what can only be described as a nonsensical attempt to disarm law-abiding citizens where they may need their arms the most.”

Atkinson also comments on the prohibition: “Connecticut’s prohibition is blatantly unconstitutional and defies common sense. Every year, it welcomes hundreds, if not thousands, of hunters into state parks and forests, and it maintains four recreational shooting ranges in state parks and forests. Each of those activities results in tens of thousands of shots fired in state parks and forests. It is nonsensical for the DEEP to claim that it is protecting public safety by prohibiting thousands of law-abiding and exemplary citizens such as Nastri from carrying handguns for self-defense but giving recreational shooters and hunters free reign to bring much more powerful firearms into state parks and forests.

We are extremely confident that the federal courts faithfully applying the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions will agree with us.”

A copy of the complaint is included below: