The Supreme Court's ruling says that the constitution "protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defence within the home".

BBC: US handgun ban challenge spreads

But Mr Holder said Bin Laden was a lawful military target, whose killing was "an act of national self-defence".

BBC: Bin Laden death: Images could pose 'US security risk'