📷 Image Credits: India Today
The Supreme Court made a significant decision on Friday, overturning a ban on bump stocks that was implemented during the Trump administration. The ruling, which was passed by a 6-3 majority, highlighted the division within the court on firearm regulations. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the majority, argued that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had overstepped its authority by classifying bump stocks as machine guns. The case was not centered on the Second Amendment but rather on the power of administrative agencies. This decision aligns with a trend seen in the current term of the court, emphasizing limitations on administrative agencies’ authority.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented from the majority decision, expressing concerns about the potential implications of allowing bump stocks back into civilian hands. She contended that the ruling could lead to greater access to machine guns and pose a risk to public safety. Despite her dissent, the decision marks a victory for gun rights advocates who have been fighting for less stringent regulations.
The ban on bump stocks was initially put in place after the tragic mass shooting at a Las Vegas concert in 2017. The devices enable semiautomatic rifles to fire rapidly, mimicking the functionality of machine guns. The ruling has sparked a range of reactions, with gun control advocacy groups criticizing the decision and calling for legislative action to address the issue. On the other hand, pro-gun organizations have welcomed the decision, arguing that the ban was an overreach by the government.
President Biden expressed disappointment in the court’s ruling, urging Congress to take action to reinstate the ban on bump stocks. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Americans do not live in fear of the devastating impact of mass shootings. The case of bump stocks has reignited the debate over gun control in the United States, underscoring the complexities and challenges associated with legislative and regulatory measures in this contentious issue.
