17 States Sue ATF to Block Machine Gun Conversion Device Redistribution

A coalition of 16 states, led by Attorneys General including those from Colorado, Massachusetts, Washington, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, is suing the Trump administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to block the redistribution of Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs), devices that convert semiautomatic firearms into machine guns. These devices, previously classified as machine guns and federally prohibited, are linked to a sharp rise in gun violence, with incidents involving them increasing significantly and appearing more frequently at crime scenes. The ATF reversed its enforcement following a settlement under the Trump administration, agreeing to stop enforcing bans on FRTs and to return thousands of seized devices, a move criticized as violating federal law and endangering public safety. The states argue that redistributing FRTs, which can fire up to 20 rounds per second and are illegal in many states, would escalate gun violence and mass shootings, citing specific incidents and high costs related to firearm injuries. The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction to prevent distribution, emphasizing the threat these 'weapons of war' pose to communities, law enforcement, and public health. This legal challenge reflects broader tensions over gun control and federal regulatory authority during President Trump's administration.