In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court upheld the Biden administration’s regulation of ghost gun kits under the Gun Control Act. Justice Gorsuch’s majority opinion affirmed the ATF’s authority to regulate these kits as firearms, clarifying that the ruling does not encompass all weapon parts requiring significant assembly. Justices Thomas and Alito dissented, criticizing the regulation as government overreach. The ruling requires manufacturers and sellers to obtain licenses, serialize products, conduct background checks, and maintain records, impacting ghost gun availability.
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Kash Patel, recently confirmed as FBI director, is expected to concurrently lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This appointment follows the firing of ATF’s chief counsel and comes amidst ongoing conservative criticism of the agency’s firearm regulations. The unusual arrangement raises concerns among gun control advocates, while gun rights groups celebrate Patel’s leadership. This development follows a recent executive order reviewing Biden administration firearms policies.
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President Trump reportedly ordered the immediate termination of seventeen inspectors general across various federal agencies, a move condemned by critics as a blatant attempt to dismantle crucial oversight mechanisms. This action, seemingly violating federal law by failing to provide Congress with advance notice, follows a similar purge in 2020. The dismissals, largely targeting officials appointed during Trump’s first term, have sparked widespread accusations of undermining checks and balances and paving the way for corruption. The White House has yet to officially comment on these reports.
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A CBS News investigation uncovered a widespread pattern of law enforcement officers, including chiefs and sheriffs, illegally selling firearms, often high-powered weapons obtained through their official positions, for personal profit. This practice resulted in weapons being sold to criminals and used in violent crimes. The investigation revealed at least 50 cases over the past 20 years, with many officers pleading guilty or being convicted. The ATF’s lax oversight and reluctance to prosecute contributed to this problem, highlighting a significant loophole in the system for regulating military-grade weapons.
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John Q. Hosedrinker