U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford are among several other Senators who are asking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to review the Obama Administration’s decision to allow the sale of firearm “bump stock” devices. The Senators signed onto a letter to the ATF asking for its interpretation.
The request comes after the Las Vegas mass shooting investigation has found the devices on the suspect’s weapons found in the Mandalay Bay hotel room.
The letter sent to the ATF’s acting director can be read below.
October 6, 2017
Mr. Thomas E. Brandon
Acting Director
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
Dear Acting Director Brandon:
The citizens of Nevada, and of our country as a whole, continue to mourn the brutal and senseless attack on innocent concertgoers in Las Vegas the night of October 1, 2017. We remember and pray for those lost in this tragedy, their family and friends. We honor and applaud the bravery of the first responders, both law enforcement and civilian heroes, medical professionals, and all who came to the aid of those in need.
We recognize that it is impossible to prevent tragedy and acts of “pure evil,” in the words of our President. We believe, however, the tragic events in Las Vegas brought to light an issue from this past Administration that we respectfully request that your Bureau swiftly review.
Press reports of the crime scene in Las Vegas, Nevada, indicate that certain devices were used to modify the firearms involved. Specifically, these devices are designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles. The sale of these devices, and bump stocks specifically, is permitted under an interpretation of the Gun Control Act (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(23)) and National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5845(b)) made by the Obama Administration’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Given the function and capability of a semi-automatic rifle that is modified by a bump stock, we respectfully request that you review the Obama Administration’s interpretation and issue your own interpretation. Unfortunately, we are all now keenly aware of how this device operates and believe that this renewed review and determination will keep our citizens safe and ensure that federal law is enforced.
We appreciate your swift response and action on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Senator Dean Heller (R-NV)
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)
Senator John Thune (R-SD)
