WASHINGTON — A wave of lawsuits has been launched by over two dozen Republican state attorneys general against the Biden administration. The legal action, initiated on Wednesday, seeks to halt the implementation of a new regulation mandating gun dealers to secure licenses and perform background checks when transacting firearms sales at gun shows and via online platforms.
The lawsuits are a direct challenge to a rule, finalized just last month, which the U.S. Justice Department asserts is designed to close the so-called “gun show loophole.” This rule stipulates that those vending firearms at gun shows, other locations, and through the internet must adhere to the same prerequisites as traditional gun stores in conducting background checks on potential purchasers.
The Biden administration estimates that the rule, which is yet to be implemented, will impact tens of thousands of gun sales annually.
President Joe Biden has urged Congress to enact legislation mandating universal background checks and prohibiting assault-style rifles. However, Republican legislators have resisted such laws, arguing they infringe upon the 2nd Amendment rights to bear arms as enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Announcing the lawsuit on behalf of his state, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of overstepping its jurisdiction in introducing the new rule.
“It is with immense pride that I launch this lawsuit today, standing up for our Constitutionally guaranteed liberties against an overreaching federal government,” he declared.
Joining Texas in the lawsuit are Louisiana, Missouri, and Utah, along with Gun Owners of America and other gun rights advocacy organizations. The case was lodged in the federal court in Amarillo, Texas, presided over by the sole active judge, Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Republican appointee of former President Donald Trump. This court has emerged as a favored venue for conservatives contesting Biden administration policies.
A second lawsuit, spearheaded by Arkansas and Kansas and supported by 19 other states, was filed in Arkansas. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody also lodged a separate complaint in the federal court in Tampa.
The Justice Department has yet to comment on the lawsuits.
Disagree – Gun safety measures are necessary to protect our communities and prevent tragedies.