A lawsuit filed against the bureau suggests unfair regulations for suppressors and rifles.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is no strangers to putting restrictions affecting gun owners – and now a particular Attorney General has seen enough, pushing for a legal resolution. And it’s a case that Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford is paying close attention to.
- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed suit against the ATF, believing that its federal registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled rifles are unnecessary.
- Hanaway calls the restrictions “unconstitutional,” as they qualify as protected arms under the Second Amendment.
- Hanaway also noted that suppressors and short-barreled rifles are used for lawful purposes, including self-defense and even hunting.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway recently filed a lawsuit against the bureau, noting that its federal registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled rifles are going too far.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STEPHEN WILLEFORD’S BAREFOOT DEFENDER WEBSITE HERE.
She notes that the restrictions are unconstitutional, believing they qualify as “protected arms” as far as the Second Amendment of the Constitution is concerned. She also made note of how commonly short-barreled rifles and suppressors are used for firearms training, as well as self-defense and even hunting.
“Law and order and the Second Amendment go hand in hand,” Hanaway stated. “A government that respects the Constitution has empowered, law-abiding citizens who can protect themselves and their families. It does not paper over rights with red tape. The ATF’s heavy-handed restrictions on suppressors threaten lawful firearm use and undermine the rights protected by the Second Amendment.”
Willeford is all too aware of the ATF’s attempts to put restrictions in place for private gun owners. He joins us now to discuss this matter further. Welcome to the show!
Q&A:
- Let’s talk about the ATF for a minute. Do they go too far in making federal regulations for certain guns and gun parts, even with the change in leadership from Biden to Trump?
- Why does the ATF continue to put such restrictions in place, despite the Second Amendment of the Constitution providing protection for private gun owners?
- Catherine Hanaway discussed the importance of short-barreled rifles and suppressors. Do you believe she’s spot on with how they’re used, or are we missing additional uses?
- Why do you think Trump doesn’t try to regulate more on what the ATF does?
- Where do you see this lawsuit going? Do you believe Hanaway and her team have a big chance at victory here? Or will the ATF try to flex its legal authority in the case?
- Where do you see the national discussion surrounding gun rights going as 2026 continues?
- You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, which discusses the 2017 shooting in Sutherland Springs and your role in helping stop the attacker. Tell us more about how the book came together and why you believe it is an important read right now.
- Where can people find your book?
- Where can we learn more about you and Gun Owners of America?
- You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
ORDER STEPHEN WILLEFORD’S BOOK, A TOWN CALLED SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, HERE.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen Willeford represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with a gun” for helping stop the gunman responsible for the 2017 shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. He is available to discuss gun rights issues and the work of Gun Owners of America. He is also the author of A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. Learn more about him at thebarefootdefender.com.
CONTACT: Todd Baumann at 512-966-0983 or Jerry McGlothlin at bookings@specialguests.com.
