Leading anti-gun organizations support Biden’s ATF rule targeting AR pistols
Four Top Gun Control Advocates Join Effort to Regulate Popular AR Pistol
President Joe Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has gained support from four prominent gun control advocates in its mission to regulate and eventually eliminate the widely popular AR pistol in America.
The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and March For Our Lives Foundation have filed a third-party brief in support of an appeal against a federal court’s decision to halt a new ATF rule that would effectively ban the AR pistol.
The groups argue that AR-style pistols equipped with “stabilizing braces” are dangerous and have been linked to four mass shootings. Yvin Shin, representing March For Our Lives, states, “Stabilizing braces turn an already deadly weapon into an exponentially more efficient weapon of terror and mass destruction.”
Last year, a federal district court judge in Texas placed a nationwide hold on the ATF rule, stating that the ATF had exceeded its authority by targeting the braces, which have been used for years to assist disabled shooters in handling the large AR-style pistols.
The ATF rule is facing multiple legal challenges across the country, and it is anticipated that the Supreme Court will ultimately settle the dispute.
The ATF revised its stance on the braces, now considering them as rifle stocks, effectively transforming AR pistols into short-barreled rifles that fall under the regulations and taxes outlined in the National Firearms Act, originally created to combat gang violence during the Al Capone era.
Approximately 20 million AR-style pistols are currently in circulation. Under the new ATF rule, failure to register these firearms and pay a $200 tax could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment.
The four advocacy groups argue that the ATF’s decision is the right one and will ultimately save lives.
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President Biden has been pushing for a complete ban on the sale of all AR and AK styles of firearms.
The gun industry contends that the ATF rule violates the Second Amendment and recent pro-firearms Supreme Court rulings. They also argue, and the district court agrees, that the ATF changed its position without prior notice, despite having previously approved the use of braces for years.
What are the main arguments put forth by gun control advocacy groups in support of regulating the AR pistol as a short-barreled rifle? How do they believe this will help prevent mass shootings and acts of violence?
Lower court ruling that struck down the ATF’s classification of the AR pistol as a “short-barreled rifle.”
The ATF, under the Biden administration, has sought to classify the AR pistol, which is a handgun variant of the AR-15 rifle, as a short-barreled rifle subject to greater regulation. The bureau argues that the AR pistol can easily be converted into a more dangerous weapon, as it has a stabilizing brace that can be shouldered, effectively turning it into a rifle-like firearm.
In response, the four gun control advocacy groups have come together to lend their support to the ATF’s efforts. The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and March For Our Lives Foundation all share a common goal of advocating for stricter gun control measures in order to reduce gun violence in America.
These organizations argue that regulating the AR pistol is essential in preventing future mass shootings and acts of violence. They believe that the easy accessibility and adaptability of the AR pistol make it a weapon of choice for individuals seeking to inflict harm on others. By classifying the AR pistol as a short-barreled rifle, the ATF aims to impose stricter regulations and background checks on potential buyers, making it more difficult for individuals with malicious intent to obtain the weapon.
Opponents of the ATF’s proposed regulation argue that it infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. They argue that the AR pistol is a legitimate firearm for self-defense and recreational purposes and that the proposed regulation unfairly targets law-abiding citizens rather than criminals. Critics also point out that the stabilizing brace on the AR pistol is designed to improve accuracy and control, not to transform it into a fully functioning rifle.
Despite the differing opinions, it is clear that the issue of gun control remains highly contentious in the United States. The involvement of these four influential gun control advocacy organizations illustrates the significant support behind regulating the AR pistol. As the court proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the final decision will impact gun control measures and the availability of this popular firearm in America.
Ultimately, the goal of any gun regulation should be to strike a balance between public safety and the preservation of Second Amendment rights. Finding common ground and implementing effective measures that address the concerns of both gun control advocates and gun rights supporters is crucial in order to prevent future acts of violence while respecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
As the debate rages on, the involvement of prominent advocacy groups in the ATF’s efforts to regulate the AR pistol serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle to shape gun control policies in America. It highlights the importance of engaging in civil discourse, considering differing perspectives, and finding innovative solutions to tackle the complex issue of gun violence in the country.
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