The Supreme Court overturned a Trump-era ban on bump stocks, a gun accessory used in the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. The ruling, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, stated that a bump stock does not turn a semiautomatic rifle into a machine gun. The decision was supported by the conservative majority on the court, with Justice Alito noting that Congress could change the law if needed.
In a dissent, Justice Sotomayor emphasized the impact of bump stocks in the Las Vegas tragedy and called for congressional action. Former President Trump’s campaign team respected the ruling, while President Biden had no immediate comment.
The case originated from a Texas gun shop owner challenging the ban, arguing the Justice Department misclassified bump stocks. The Biden administration supported the ban, citing the potential for rapid firing. This ruling is the latest in a series of gun cases before the court, with a focus on ATF authority rather than the Second Amendment.
This decision affects the estimated 520,000 bump stocks in circulation, requiring surrender or destruction. The legal battle surrounding bump stocks has brought attention to gun regulations and the need for legislative action.
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