Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
From the federal to city level, there are recent attempts to restrict gun owners’ rights. Following the tragic mass shooting in Sacramento, President Biden nominated a new Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) director and California’s governor intends to tighten up the state’s already strict gun laws. The mayor of Denver, Colorado, also plans to ban concealed carry in certain public places.
But these measures are not without opposition. Alabama lawmakers pushed back on enforcing a presidential order by passing legislation. Even though lawmakers are calling for greater restrictions, there is an increased desire among Americans to arm themselves. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the rise in crime has led concealed carry permit applications to swell nearly 600 percent. Another report found that the percentage of U.S. adults living in a household with a gun increased to 46 percent since the start of the pandemic. Read on to see what you may have missed.
Ghost Guns and a New ATF Nominee
On Monday, April 11, 2022, President Biden nominated former federal attorney Steve Dettelbach to serve as director of the ATF. Dettelbach unsuccessfully ran for Ohio attorney general in 2018, when he pushed to reinstate an assault weapons ban and universal background checks. The administration attempted to frame Dettelbach as noncontroversial by touting his law enforcement background.
At the same time, the Justice Department is pursuing regulations to target so-called “ghost guns.” The rules would require anyone purchasing a kit that can be made into a firearm, including 3-D printing kits, to submit a background check, as applies to gun sales through licensed dealers (FFLs).
Rise in Crime Leads to Rise in Permits
A new report shows applications for concealed carry permits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have increased by nearly 600 percent. The average number of license applications each year between 2017 and 2020 was 11,000. In 2021, almost 71,000 Philadelphians applied for their permits to carry a gun. The increase in applications comes at the same time as crime surges. By the end of 2021, Philadelphia recorded 562 homicide victims. That’s up from 356 in 2019.
Fox, Pennsylvania
California Sets Citizens Against Each Other
Though California already holds some of the nation’s strictest gun laws, a mass shooting in Sacramento on April 3, led to lawmakers considering more restrictions. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) proposal would allow citizens to file civil lawsuits against those who distribute “assault” weapons, parts that can be used to build weapons, .50 caliber rifles or firearms without serial numbers.
Federal News Network, California
Alabama Pushes Back on Federal Gun Laws
On April 7, the Alabama legislature gave final approval to Senate Bill (SB) 2, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa). The bill, which would attempt to nullify executive presidential orders on guns, now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. With concerns about gun control growing amongst responsibly armed Americans, SB 2 would prohibit state employees from enforcing a presidential order that “limits or restricts the ownership, use or possession of firearms, ammunition or firearm accessories.”
Montgomery Advertiser, Alabama
Denver to Ban Concealed Carry in Public
The Denver city attorney’s office proposed a bill making it illegal for legal gun owners to carry concealed guns in public buildings and parks. The proposal is part of Mayor Michael Hancock’s (D) public safety plan introduced in February.
Denverite, Colorado
Florida Continues to Ban Gun Sales
After the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, the Florida legislature rushed to pass a ban on the sale of rifles and other long guns to people under the age of 18 as part of a sweeping school safety law. The NRA challenged the constitutionality of the age restriction, but Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker upheld the law last year. The NRA has now asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reject Walker’s ruling.
Law.com, Florida
How the Pandemic Affected Gun Sales
According to new survey data from NORC at the University of Chicago, the percentage of U.S. adults living in a household with a gun increased to 46 percent since the start of the pandemic. FBI data show the annual gun sales for 2020 and 2021 increased to 20 million from the average of 13 million sold each year between 2010 to 2019. One in 20 of those purchasers was a first-time gun buyer.
NORC, Illinois
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/guns-in-the-news-april-16-2022/