The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on bump stocks, a device enabling rapid-fire from semi-automatic rifles. Used in the Las Vegas mass shooting, the court ruled the ATF overstepped its authority in classifying bump stocks as illegal machine guns. This decision sparks debate on gun control and potential legislative action.
Las Vegas Shooting Accessory Now Legal After High Court Ruling
he U.S. Supreme Court has overturned a ban on bump stocks, the device used in the deadliest mass shooting in American history. The 6-3 decision, issued on June 14, 2024, allows the rapid-fire gun accessory back on the market.
Gun Control vs. Gun Rights: Bump Stock Ban Struck Down
The Trump administration implemented the bump stock ban following the 2017 Las Vegas shooting that claimed 60 lives. However, a Texas gun shop owner challenged the ban, arguing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) overstepped its authority by classifying bump stocks as machine guns, which are illegal under federal law.
Supreme Court Sides with Gun Shop Owner: Bump Stock Not a Machine Gun
The court, in an opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas, agreed with the gun shop owner. The majority opinion states that a semi-automatic rifle equipped with a bump stock doesn’t meet the legal definition of a machine gun. The court argues that a bump stock doesn’t fire multiple rounds with “a single function of the trigger” and wouldn’t qualify as “automatic” under the 1986 Firearms Act.
Dissent Raises Concerns About Public Safety
Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor dissented from the majority opinion. Justice Sotomayor expressed concern about the accessibility of bump stocks, stating,
Uncertain Future for Bump Stock Regulation
The ruling reignites the debate on gun control in the United States. While some view it as a victory for gun rights, others worry about the potential for future mass shootings. The path forward for regulating bump stocks remains unclear. This decision may prompt legislative action to address the issue.
