Category: Gun Violence

US reinstates ‘gun show loophole’ amid rollback of firearms restrictions | US gun control | The Guardian

The Trump administration, through acting attorney general Todd Blanche, reinstated the “gun show loophole” and rescinded other firearm restrictions in what Blanche characterized as the “most comprehensive regulatory reform package in the history” of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The changes allow people to purchase firearms at gun shows without background checks, reversing a 2024 Biden administration rule that required anyone “engaged in the business” of selling firearms to obtain a federal firearms license and conduct background checks regardless of venue. The administration also rescinded a 2023 rule restricting pistol braces, devices that allow shooters to hold weapons against their shoulders like rifles.

Gun rights groups and Republican-led states had challenged Biden’s background check expansion in court, arguing it violated Second Amendment protections and exceeded presidential authority. Blanche justified the rollback by claiming the changes align with Supreme Court rulings and reduce regulatory burden on firearms sellers and owners, stating that “for too long, regulations were written without any real understanding of how firearms businesses operate.” He asserted that the changes do not weaken law enforcement.

Gun control advocacy groups directly contradicted the administration’s claims about public safety. John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, stated the Trump administration’s response to gun violence is to “gut commonsense gun safety laws and sabotage the only federal agency dedicated to keeping guns out of criminal hands,” occurring four days after shootings at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Everytown warned that the changes would make the country less safe and accused the administration of pandering to gun rights activists.

The rollback aligns with Trump’s stated commitment to weakening gun regulation. In February 2024, Trump directed the justice department “to assess any ongoing infringements of the second amendment rights of our citizens” through executive order and subsequently established a civil rights division section focused on gun rights. The Senate confirmed Robert Cekada, a law enforcement officer who had served as the ATF’s deputy director for the past year, as the new ATF head.

(Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/30/trump-administration-gun-show-loophole?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=fb_us&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcARgyRlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEezpFspjLlvRe4kmxuUCVaCiuYJHvsrVPd7Oxetu68zNrptVXWj-FhdzOsCSA_aem_a1-oY39olxQUrkGjm5v0EA#Echobox=1777573650)

Trump’s ATF Rule Forces Trans Gun Buyers Into Felony Trap

The Trump administration’s proposed changes to federal gun purchase forms would require all new gun owners to list their sex assigned at birth, rather than their current gender identity. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed to The Independent in April 2025 that it is updating ATF Form 4473 to comply with Trump’s January 2025 executive order, which eliminated federal recognition of transgender identities. Firearms policy experts warn this rule creates a mechanism to identify and compile lists of transgender gun owners based on name-to-sex mismatches.

The proposed requirement places transgender people in an unconstitutional “Catch-22,” according to Second Amendment advocates and civil liberties experts. If a trans person lists their gender identity on the form, they risk federal felony charges for false statements punishable by up to ten years in prison, since it would contradict their birth sex designation. Conversely, listing their sex assigned at birth could also trigger false statement charges, because it no longer matches their appearance, legal documents, or official identity in most states. Patrick G. Eddington of the Cato Institute called the rule a “felony trap” designed to chill lawful firearms purchases by a vulnerable population already facing increased violence.

The Trump administration has pursued multiple concurrent efforts to restrict transgender people’s access to firearms and to surveil transgender populations. The Department of Justice is weighing rules to declare transgender Americans inherently mentally unfit to possess guns, while the Department of Homeland Security scrapped safeguards against spying on people based solely on gender identity. The Justice Department has subpoenaed hospitals for information about transgender patients, and Republican-led states continue compiling lists of transgender individuals through medical records and driver’s license data. Conservative media figures and activists have called for transgender people to be institutionalized or designated domestic terrorists, claims senior administration officials have declined to reject.

Despite the administration’s targeting of transgender gun ownership, membership in LGBT-focused gun clubs has surged since Trump’s 2024 reelection. Pink Pistols chapters increased 68 percent from November 2024 to April 2025, while the Liberal Gun Club’s membership nearly doubled following Trump’s return to office. Erin Palette, national coordinator of Pink Pistols, stated the proposed ATF rule change is “not about safety or identification” but “targeting a minority for being a minority,” violating constitutional protections. The spike reflects widespread fears among marginalized communities, including transgender people, people of color, and progressives, following rising anti-LGBT hate crimes, federal immigration enforcement killings, and Trump administration rhetoric.

The ATF has not yet formally published the proposed rule in the Federal Register, and Form 4473 has not been updated as of late April 2025. The formal rule-making process, which includes public comment periods, must occur before implementation. Both transgender gun advocates and conservative Second Amendment supporters, including Eddington, argue the rule is facially unconstitutional and represents abuse of power by an administration indifferent to legal constraints on executive authority.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-atf-transgender-gun-owners-rules-b2965843.html)

Trump Promotes ‘Secure’ White House Ballroom After Shooting

President Trump used a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026, to advance his $400 million White House Ballroom project. In a Truth Social post the morning after the incident, Trump claimed the ballroom’s military-grade security features would have prevented the shooting and demanded immediate construction without further legal delay.

Trump’s post attacked the legal challenge to the ballroom, dismissing the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s lawsuit as frivolous and brought by “a woman walking her dog” with “absolutely No Standing.” He demanded the “ridiculous” lawsuit be “dropped immediately” and insisted nothing should interfere with construction, which he claimed was “on budget and substantially ahead of schedule.”

District Judge Richard Leon halted construction in March, ruling that Trump lacks statutory authority to proceed without express congressional authorization. The Trump administration had demolished the White House East Wing in October 2025 to make room for the ballroom, a project that has sparked constitutional and preservation concerns as Trump previously attacked the court ruling blocking the ballroom.

Trump’s invocation of security threats to bypass judicial oversight and congressional approval reflects a pattern of using crises to justify abuse of power and consolidation of executive authority, weaponizing a tragedy to advance a vanity project that violates constitutional checks on presidential power.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-promotes-large-safe-and-secure-ballroom-after-shooting/)

Trump Administration Pushes Gun Ban for Marijuana Users

The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to uphold a 1968 law denying gun rights to habitual users of illegal drugs, including marijuana. The case, U.S. v. Hemani, centers on Ali Hemani, a Texas man whose federal gun possession charge was dismissed by lower courts on Second Amendment grounds, though agents found a handgun and marijuana in his home during an FBI search in 2020.

Most justices expressed skepticism toward the administration’s position, with Justice Neil Gorsuch questioning why marijuana was chosen as a test case when Trump himself signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a lesser controlled substance. Justice Amy Coney Barrett challenged the government to provide evidence that occasional marijuana use makes someone dangerous enough to deny firearms.

Deputy Solicitor General Sarah Harris argued Congress determined mixing firearms with controlled substances is dangerous and that temporarily disarming habitual marijuana users does not violate the Second Amendment. However, Second Amendment advocate Erin Murphy countered that millions of Americans could face criminal prosecution under this interpretation, particularly since the government has not clearly proven marijuana itself is addictive and dangerous in the way Congress designated controlled substances.

The American Civil Liberties Union defended Hemani, stating that tens of millions of Americans own handguns for self-defense while also using marijuana occasionally, and the government’s broad interpretation would criminalize ordinary conduct without requiring proof of actual impairment or danger. The ACLU warned the ruling threatens to extend criminal law’s reach against lawful gun owners engaging in activities millions of Americans undertake.

The Supreme Court will decide the case by the end of June 2024, determining whether habitual marijuana use can strip individuals of Second Amendment rights despite questions from the bench about marijuana’s actual danger and the legal inconsistency created by Trump’s own drug reclassification effort.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/supreme-court-questions-denying-gun-182308900.html?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=69a608723ff5b100011ec72f&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHr8kJUJkbOhk4MtkRmbQUbj9aitfL78h0BG8FPURzD2ex_yWCpzIJ9lW_PdY_aem_vViPdaoCIp7vbssTt-0Y5w)

Trump Spread False Information About Brown Shooting. That’s a Problem | The New Republic

Donald Trump’s reckless dissemination of unverified information regarding a shooting incident at Brown University has rightfully drawn fierce criticism. During this highly tense situation, Trump prematurely declared the suspect as captured, creating potential danger for students sheltering on campus. Despite police advisories indicating an active situation, Trump’s irresponsible social media display added chaos and confusion.

As the ordeal unfolded, Trump’s assertions were quickly contradicted by official sources, exposing his carelessness. His hasty statement claiming the shooter was detained was retracted only minutes later, an action that has been condemned for spreading insecurity among the already terrified students. Providence’s Mayor emphasized relying on official channels for accurate information, a direct refutation of Trump’s baseless announcements.

This incident is illustrative of Trump’s habitual disregard for the truth and his alarming tendency to spread misinformation. Consequences of his actions are more than just errors; they embody serious risks, particularly in volatile situations where accurate information is critical for public safety. Trump’s volatile online rants contribute significantly to spreading misinformation, jeopardizing people’s safety, and reflect poorly on his leadership.

Criticism also extends to Trump’s divisive rhetoric which inflames tensions and incites threats against many, including his political allies. His continuous intimidating social media uses have been linked to numerous threats against both Democratic and Republican officials, illustrating the dangerous consequences of his inflammatory behavior.

Overall, Trump’s irresponsible actions and statements serve as a shining example of his continued disregard for authenticity and safety. His habit of hastily spreading false information endangers public safety and reflects the broader dangers of an administration marked by misinformation and chaos. Trump’s behavior in tense circumstances as shown here underscores his unsuitability for leadership.

(Source: https://newrepublic.com/post/204391/trump-brown-university-rhode-island-shooting)

Donald Trump Capitalizes on Charlie Kirk’s Murder to Initiate Investigation Against “The Left”

President Donald Trump has once again attempted to shift blame onto the political left following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During comments made while boarding Air Force One at Morristown Airport, Trump claimed that radical leftists were responsible for Kirk’s death, despite the actual circumstances surrounding the incident remaining unclear. He characterized the left as a source of societal issues, dismissing any notions that responsibility might lie with the right or within his own supportive base.

Trump’s comments came after recent investigations uncovered little information about the ideology of the alleged assassin, who is currently in custody. Nonetheless, Trump declared that individuals on the left were already under “major investigation.” This alarming rhetoric serves to fuel division and undermine discourse, rather than seriously address the complexities of political violence.

During his remarks, Trump specifically targeted purportedly antagonistic conduct by left-wing individuals, invoking images of “agitators” and other derogatory terms that serve to demonize opposing viewpoints. His narrative aims to distract from any negative scrutiny directed toward his supporters and their extremist actions, which have previously raised serious questions about the incitement of violence.

Additionally, Trump hinted at pursuing the names of foreigners who allegedly celebrated Kirk’s death, claiming the celebrations were indicative of sick behavior. This statement further seeks to stoke fear and create an atmosphere of hostility against perceived enemies, underscoring his inclination to frame any protest or dissent against his administration as radical or extreme.

Ultimately, this incident showcases Trump’s ongoing strategy of utilizing violence to fortify his ideological stance and galvanize his base by portraying any negative outcomes as the fault of those who diverge from his views. By reiterating these narratives, he continues to play into the dangerous cycle of blame and hostility that undermines American democratic principles and threatens political stability.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-declares-hes-already-investigating-people-on-the-left-who-share-blame-for-charlie-kirks-murder/)

Trump DOJ Considers Banning Transgender Individuals from Gun Ownership

Amidst rising anti-LGBTQ sentiments, the Trump administration’s Justice Department is actively considering proposals to restrict gun ownership for transgender persons. This initiative, which follows a recent shooting linked to a transgender woman, represents an alarming escalation in the ongoing campaign against the rights of transgender individuals in America.

Historically, the Trump administration has pursued policies that discriminate against transgender people, including a directive banning them from military service and mandating that transgender inmates be housed according to their sex assigned at birth. Now, the administration appears to expand this discriminatory agenda to firearm ownership, framing transgender individuals as potential threats based on mental health categorizations.

The Justice Department is reportedly exploring the possibility of declaring people with gender dysphoria as mentally unfit to own firearms, leveraging this classification to deprive them of their Second Amendment rights. Legal experts have raised concerns about the ramifications of such a move, stressing that it could establish a dangerous precedent. They warn that the implications of stripping rights could extend beyond the transgender community, affecting other marginalized groups, such as veterans suffering from PTSD.

Transgender advocates, including organizations like GLAAD, have denounced these proposals as scapegoating a vulnerable population. The assertion that transgender individuals pose a significant risk in terms of gun violence is patently misleading. Data shows that a minuscule fraction of mass shootings involve transgender individuals, who are more often victims of violence rather than perpetrators.

The Justice Department’s approach, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, reflects a broader tactic to undermine the rights of transgender Americans by vilifying them. As the agency continues its aggressive actions against gender-affirming care, it risks further isolating an already marginalized community while diverting attention from more pressing issues of mass violence and gun control. This ongoing discrimination against transgender people illustrates a troubling trend that undermines both individual rights and public safety in America.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/04/politics/transgender-firearms-justice-department-second-amendment)

DOJ Launches Investigation into LASD 2nd Amendment Violations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) over allegations that it is infringing upon citizens’ Second Amendment rights through excessive fees and lengthy wait times for concealed carry permits. This federal inquiry is part of a larger review addressing “restrictive firearms-related laws” that have emerged in California and other states, following complaints of an 18-month delay for permit approval from LASD.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has expressed that the DOJ will not tolerate any state or local violations of the Second Amendment. In her statement, she emphasized that the Second Amendment is a fundamental right and that the department aims to enforce it vigorously. This action aligns with the Trump administration’s recent directives to scrutinize gun rights policies in various jurisdictions, asserting a commitment to upholding Second Amendment rights.

Despite LASD’s assertion that staffing shortages and a backlog of applications are responsible for the extended wait times, critics contend that the permitting process is excessively slow and costly. Legal experts note that the investigation into LASD marks a significant shift in the Republican approach, who previously opposed similar federal examinations of local law enforcement practices, especially in the context of systemic misconduct.

Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle and Pistol Association, lauded the DOJ’s involvement, attributing it to a lawsuit addressing the constitutionality of the LASD’s permitting process. As the investigation unfolds, there are indications that its scope may broaden to include other California jurisdictions experiencing similar challenges with permitting systems, thus further highlighting the national debate surrounding gun rights.

Legal scholars have commented on the potential implications of the DOJ’s findings, noting that while it is essential for the department to demonstrate any misconduct in the permit issuance process, substantiating claims of intentional delays may be complex. The investigation underscores a continuing partisan divide, examining how the Trump administration’s lens frames local governance and citizen rights, particularly in states like California that challenge federal directives.

(h/t: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-27/trump-doj-los-angeles-sheriffs-department-gun-rights)

Trump Tells Dead Kid’s Parents To “Get Over It”

In a recent campaign event in Iowa, Donald Trump responded to a high school shooting in Perry by urging the audience to “get over it” and emphasized the need to move forward. Trump’s comments, coming about 36 hours after the incident, marked his first public address on the violence. This echoes a pattern observed in his past remarks, particularly during an April 2023 speech to the National Rifle Association, where he attributed school shootings to factors like Democrats, mental health issues, marijuana, and the transgender community, deflecting from a substantial discussion on gun violence.

Criticism for Trump’s recent comment poured in from the Democratic Super PAC American Bridge, with their communication director Brandon Weathersby condemning Trump’s lack of empathy and asserting that telling Iowans to “get over it” was beyond acceptable even for Trump. Despite facing multiple legal challenges, including 91 criminal charges, civil litigation, and a rape allegation deemed “substantially true” by a judge, Trump maintains strong support in polling for the Republican presidential nomination in the upcoming primaries. The Perry school shooting left one sixth grader dead and seven others injured, with the perpetrator identified as a 17-year-old student who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

This incident, coupled with Trump’s response, raises questions about the political discourse surrounding gun violence and the adequacy of leadership responses to tragic events. While some may view Trump’s approach as pragmatic, others argue it lacks the necessary empathy and depth needed in addressing the complex issue of school shootings.

Trump Tweets Video of St. Louis Couple Aiming Guns at Protesters

President Donald Trump on Monday retweeted a widely scrutinized video of a St. Louis couple aiming guns at a protest march.

The couple, who are White, stood in front of their home, both armed with guns, shouting back and forth with a march that included Black Lives Matter protesters, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. One of the people was aiming a gun directly at demonstrators, who were marching on the home of Mayor Lyda Krewson to demand her resignation after she read aloud names and addresses of protesters who wanted to cut police funding.

Trump retweeted the ABC News video without comment, appearing to endorse the couple’s stance. The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Sunday, Trump retweeted a video of his supporters arguing with critics in Florida, including one who shouted “white power.” Trump later deleted his tweet, and the White House said he hadn’t heard the phrase.

The president on Monday also retweeted a series of wanted posters from U.S. park police seeking to identify people suspected of vandalizing statues near the White House.

[Bloomberg]



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