A court order that struck down regulations on firearm suppressors and certain guns took effect Thursday after the U.S. Justice Department did not file an appeal before a seven-day deadline set by a federal judge in Texas.
Background of the Ruling
The ruling allows people to purchase silencers, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns and certain other firearms without registration, while also removing an extra layer of background checks.
U.S. District Judge James Hendrix in Lubbock, Texas, said regulations in a 1930s-era law are unconstitutional. He said the rules must fall after the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trump eliminated a $200 permit tax on the devices.
The government’s refusal to pursue an immediate appeal ‘is a failure to defend public safety,’ said Emma Brown, executive director at Giffords, the gun violence prevention group.
Reaction from Gun Owners
Gun Owners of America said two members acquired suppressors at Silencer Shop in Leander, Texas, without having to register. ‘Our members are putting the historic victory into action. The era of federal registration for constitutionally protected arms must end,’ said Erich Pratt, the group’s senior vice president.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
