President Biden's New Gun Violence Reduction Initiatives

President Biden recently unveiled a series of new measures designed to address what he termed an “epidemic” of gun violence, characterizing it as a source of “international embarrassment.” A key component of these initiatives involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) focusing on closing existing regulatory gaps concerning online gun sales and untraceable “ghost guns.”

Addressing a National Crisis

During a public address from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, President Biden highlighted the frequency of recent mass shootings as deeply tragic events. He emphasized, however, that the daily toll of gun violence extends far beyond these high-profile incidents, with over one hundred individuals being shot each day across the nation. “This is an epidemic, for God’s sake,” he stated, “and it has to stop.”

Reaffirming Second Amendment Rights

Prior to detailing his proposed strategies, the President directly addressed potential concerns regarding the Second Amendment. He asserted that the forthcoming recommendations would not infringe upon the constitutional right to bear arms.

“Nothing I’m about to recommend in any way impinges on the Second Amendment,” Biden affirmed. “From the very beginning, limitations existed on the types of weapons individuals could possess. Throughout the history of the Second Amendment, certain individuals have been prohibited from owning firearms.”

Navigating Federal and State Laws

The interplay between federal and state gun laws often creates complex situations. This has led to notable instances, such as armed protestors legally demonstrating at the Michigan State Capitol. Despite these state-level variations, federal authorities retain certain regulatory powers.

Background checks and firearm registration systems fall under federal jurisdiction, and existing loopholes have become more pronounced with the growth of online gun marketplaces – where discreet firearm transactions are common – and the increasing accessibility of at-home gun assembly.

ATF's Updated Approach to Gun Trafficking

“I have directed ATF to initiate an updated assessment of gun trafficking, acknowledging the evolution of firearm manufacturing,” announced Attorney General Merrick Garland, following President Biden’s remarks. “Modern firearms are no longer solely produced through traditional casting or forging methods; they can be constructed from plastic, 3D-printed, or assembled from kits.”

Garland continued, “We will ensure that we understand and measure the problem of criminal gun trafficking in a data driven way.”

The Rise of "Ghost Guns"

“Ghost guns” gained prominence several years ago, with entities like Defense Distributed attempting to popularize 3D-printed firearms and component parts. While the novelty of this technology attracted media attention, traditional gun trafficking methods – including smuggling and direct sales – continue to represent a far larger problem.

However, gun-building kits do present a significant regulatory challenge for the ATF, as they currently do not require registration or background checks. This allows individuals to acquire 80% of a firearm, complete the remaining 20% (typically the “receiver,” which legally defines the assembly as a firearm) through printing or other means, and possess a weapon without any serial number or official record.

Proposed Rule Changes and Leadership

Garland has proposed a new rule for the ATF that would address this loophole, along with other issues such as readily available modifications that convert pistols into short-barreled rifles. The proposed rule would mandate the registration of these conversion kits. This action is anticipated to follow the confirmation of David Chipman as the ATF’s first director in five years – a position that remained vacant throughout the previous administration.

Broader Violence Intervention Strategies

Beyond regulatory changes, the administration is also investing $5 billion over eight years in community violence intervention programs. They are also advocating for the adoption of “red flag” laws, which would temporarily restrict access to firearms for individuals experiencing a crisis, and urging Congress to enact comprehensive legislation to address issues beyond the scope of executive action.