“The National Rifle Association (NRA) continues its relentless fight against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) over a rule that infringes upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners. This unconstitutional rule targets stabilizing braces for pistols, imposing penalties, fines, and even potential prison sentences for the use of a lawful accessory.
The NRA, always at the forefront of defending the Second Amendment, has taken the ATF to court to expose the failings of this arbitrary and unjust rule. NRA Executive Vice President & CEO Wayne LaPierre expressed unwavering confidence in the NRA’s ability to confront the ATF and preserve freedom for its members.
This is not the first time the NRA has stood up against this rule. They have previously voiced their opposition through comments, intervened in legal actions, and supported lawsuits filed by state attorneys general. The NRA leaves no stone unturned in its commitment to protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Stabilizing braces are accessories that provide support and stability to pistols, particularly benefiting disabled veterans and individuals with limited mobility. Despite their significant advantages, the ATF has reclassified pistols with braces as short-barreled rifles, necessitating a federal license for ownership.
The NRA’s lawsuit argues that this rule is not only unconstitutional but also contradicts the ATF’s long-standing position on pistol braces. The ATF’s reversal disregards its previous stance that pistol braces do not transform pistols into rifles subject to burdensome registration and taxation requirements under the National Firearms Act.
Seeking both preliminary and permanent relief, the NRA is determined to prevent the ATF from enforcing this rule against law-abiding NRA members. The lawsuit names ATF Director Steven Dettelbach and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland as defendants.
The timing of this legal action is critical. The final rule was scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2023, but gun rights groups and the state of Texas have already obtained preliminary injunctive relief, protecting their citizens from its consequences.
The NRA strives to secure the same relief for its members, who face irreparable harm due to this rule. With approximately 350,000 members in Texas alone, the NRA stands strong against this assault on their rights.
Many NRA members find themselves in an untenable situation, forced to modify their firearms, destroy them, register them, or surrender them to the federal government under the threat of criminal prosecution. This is an infringement upon their constitutional rights that cannot be tolerated.
The NRA is tireless in its pursuit of justice for its law-abiding members and their constitutional freedoms. Their aim is to ensure that NRA members are free from the threat of enforcement of this presumptively unlawful rule. With the support of other gun rights groups, they are confident in obtaining the relief that has already been granted to members of other organizations.
In June, House Republicans, with the help of two Democrats, passed a resolution to nullify the ATF’s final rule and prevent its reimplementation in the future. The resolution now awaits action in the Senate. While the path ahead may be challenging, it is crucial for Republicans and like-minded individuals to stand united against this unconstitutional overreach.
The ATF’s rule on stabilizing braces is a direct assault on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. The NRA’s unwavering dedication to defending these rights ensures that freedom will prevail over oppressive government regulations.
The fight is far from over, but with the collective efforts of NRA members and supporters, we can protect our constitutional freedoms and safeguard the future of the Second Amendment.”
Source Fox News
