Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford explains why this is a huge win for gun-owning citizens, even if the ATF may possibly try something else.
Ever since 2017 – following a shooting in Las Vegas – the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have been targeting bump stocks, even going as far as to ban them considering their “enhancements” to certain firearms. But this week, a Federal appeals court overturned the ban.
In the ruling, the court noted, “An Act of Congress could clear up the ambiguities, but so far Congress has failed to act. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (the ATF) has been on both sides of this issue, with its current regulation (the Rule) banning bump stocks as a machinegun part. In this situation, the rule of lenity that is applicable to criminal offenses requires us to rule in favor of (Plaintiff Scott) Hardin.”
This comes after multiple courts have been divided on the issue, with the Fifth and Sixth Circuit Courts against the ATF, and the Tenth Circuit Court and the DC Circuit ruling in favor of the ban.
For now, private gun owners can breathe a little easier. However, it’s possible that the ATF will bring the matter for the U.S. Supreme Court to decide. The U.S. Department of Justice previously suggested that it will look into it, though an official response hasn’t been given.
With us now to discuss this further is Stephen Willeford, the spokesman for Gun Owners of America. You may recall in 2017 how he stopped the Sutherland Springs, Texas mass shooting, acting as the “good guy with a gun.” His expertise is welcome in this matter.
Q&A:
- How much of a win would you say this is for private gun owners, especially since bump stocks aren’t as dangerous as the ATF lets on?
- Why do you believe that the ATF were so driven to ban bump stocks to begin with? As a response to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting? Or something else?
- Are the ATF likely to take up with the matter with the Supreme Court? Do you believe they’ll be in favor of overturning the ban as well?
- Are bump stocks really important for private gun owners? Do you use them yourself?
- Do you see President Biden possibly voicing support for the ATF as the case is likely to go to the Supreme Court?
- Tell us more about your “hero with a gun” incident in 2017, and the importance of being ready against an “active shooter.”
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
My official website is http://www.stephenwilleford.com. You can read more about Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all 2nd Amendment issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. You can read more about him at http://www.stephenwilleford.com.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
