The Trump Administration has authorized the sale of “forced reset triggers,” devices that allow semi-automatic firearms to fire multiple rounds rapidly, effectively making them function like machine guns. This decision follows a settlement in a lawsuit from the National Association for Gun Rights challenging an ATF rule that banned these devices. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that the Second Amendment should not be treated as a secondary right, claiming the settlement enhances public safety.
Critics, including gun violence prevention advocates like Vanessa Gonzales from GIFFORDS, warned this move could lead to increased gun violence and greater risks to public safety. Gonzales argued that this effectively legalizes machine guns, which can cause extensive harm. The decision arises in the context of ongoing legal disputes around the devices, with the conservative Fifth Circuit Court seemingly favoring the gun rights position.
The settlement bound the Justice Department not to enforce the machine gun ban against devices like forced reset triggers and required the ATF to return confiscated devices. This means these triggers will soon be legally purchasable without background checks, which may flood the market.
Former ATF officials expressed concern that courts could have upheld a ban on these devices. The settlement also imposes conditions on Rare Breed Triggers, a key manufacturer, to avoid developing new designs that could jeopardize public safety. While proponents claim these devices do not convert firearms into machine guns, the ATF has maintained they significantly increase the firing rate. This policy shift follows a Supreme Court ruling on bump stocks, further complicating the regulatory landscape surrounding rapid-fire devices.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
