Just before the first anniversary of the tragic mass shooting in Allen, Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken a firm stance against the Biden Administration’s move to close what has been termed the “gun show loophole.” Ken Paxton, together with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, announced their lawsuit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at a press conference, signaling a strong opposition to federal firearm regulation expansion.
“We will not let Biden continue this tyrannical abuse of power,” Paxton stated. His words echo a sentiment held by many gun rights advocates who argue that such measures infringe upon Second Amendment rights. This legal action comes at a poignant moment, less than a half-hour from the Allen Premium Outlets, where a year prior, a gunman killed eight people.
The lawsuit aims to block a new rule which would require all gun sellers, not just those operating out of stores, to be federally licensed and to conduct federal background checks on purchasers. This includes those selling firearms at gun shows or through private transactions. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the implementation of this rule applies to all firearm sellers as part of an effort to address and reduce gun violence.
The Allen shooting is a case in point for the Biden administration’s argument. Mauricio Garcia, the gunman, purchased most of his weapons through private sales, which did not require background checks at the time. Under the new rule, which is set to go into effect on May 20, such checks would have been mandatory. “ATF does not have the right to issue these regulations,” Paxton argued, claiming the rule represents an overreach by the federal government and an attempt to circumvent Congress.
The proposed regulation is a follow-up to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which broadened the definition of a gun dealer to encompass individuals “who devote time, attention, and labor to dealing in firearms.” President Biden’s executive order last March sought to close background check loopholes which ATF Director Steven Dettelbach claims lead to dangerous consequences as some individuals openly flout current laws.
Paxton’s move has opened a broader conversation about gun rights and reforms, with polls suggesting that a majority of Texans, including a significant number of Republicans, support measures such as raising the age to purchase firearms. Nevertheless, gun lobby influence remains a critical factor. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Paxton himself have received campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association, pointing to a potential conflict between public sentiment and political action.
This multi-state legal challenge is a critical flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over gun control and Second Amendment rights. Paxton, joined by several other states, asserts constitutional freedoms are at stake. With lawsuits filed in different jurisdictions, including the conservative-leaning federal court in Amarillo, Texas, this concerted legal effort represents a significant pushback against the Biden administration’s gun control initiatives.
Relevant articles:
– Ken Paxton seeks to block ‘gun show loophole’ closure — days before Allen shooting anniversary , Texas Public Radio, 05/02/2024
– Republican-led US states sue to block expanded gun background checks, Yahoo News Canada, 05/01/2024