Action News obtained video of the encounter at 23rd and Diamond streets, where armed men carrying assaultstyle rifles and uniformed officers were seen in a heated verbal dispute.
Following the incident, the Philadelphia Police Department revoked the men's permits to carry firearms, citing a "good cause" standard.
Federal officials have since notified the city that they are examining whether the revocations violated the Second Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment.
Civil rights attorney Paul Hetznecker, who has been consulted on the matter but is not representing the individuals, said the case raises broader constitutional concerns.
"Ultimately, the paramount issue here is First Amendment rights. It's the right to express a political point of view, and using the Second Amendment and the permitting process as a way to undermine the viewpoint and expressions of a Black radical organization," Hetznecker said.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said in a statement, "Law-abiding Americans, regardless of where they live, should not have to worry that their city will revoke their means of self-defense."
The DOJ says it plans to interview all parties involved as part of its review.
If investigators find a pattern of constitutional violations, the department says it will work with the city to resolve the issues before the matter could advance to federal court.
Action News has reached out to all parties to determine who has spoken with federal investigators. No responses have been provided.