TFA Teams up with GOA to Challenge Bump-Stock Ban in Supreme Court
Tennessee Firearms Association (TFA) has joined forces with Gun Owners of America (GOA) in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court, supporting the appeal in the case of Guedes et al. v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case revolves around the definition of a machinegun and the legality of the Bureau’s ban on bump stocks.
The controversy surrounding bump stocks arose in the aftermath of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, prompting President Donald Trump to call for their ban. Historically, the ATF had ruled that bump stocks did not convert semi-automatic firearms into machine guns. However, following the incident, the ATF reversed its stance and issued a ruling stating the opposite. This prompted a challenge across the country, with many lower courts upholding the ATF’s ruling.
The central questions presented in the petition to the Supreme Court are twofold. First, whether non-mechanical bump stocks fall within the definition of a machinegun as outlined in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b). Second, if there is ambiguity in the definition, whether that ambiguity should be construed against the Government. In their amicus brief, TFA and GOA argue that the Congressional definition of a machinegun does not include bump stocks, making the ATF’s ban unconstitutional and in conflict with the statutory language.
Additionally, TFA points out that the Sixth Circuit, which encompasses Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan, currently deems the ATF’s bump stock rule unenforceable. This highlights the importance of litigation efforts and the need to protect constitutional rights, especially in states like Tennessee where the government is not actively defending those rights.
The TFA encourages its members, as well as other supporters, to contribute voluntary donations to aid in their litigation efforts. The organization believes that such actions are necessary, as even when Republicans control Congress, they have failed to restrict the ATF’s authority or fully uphold the Second Amendment.
By taking this case to the Supreme Court, TFA and GOA aim to challenge the expanded definition of a machinegun, asserting that the ATF’s bump stock rule goes beyond its legal bounds. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for gun owners across the nation, particularly in determining whether the government has the authority to regulate certain firearm accessories.
Overall, TFA and GOA’s partnership signifies a united front in the fight to defend and preserve Americans’ Second Amendment rights, ultimately seeking a just resolution to the controversial issue of bump stocks and their classification as machine guns.
