BREAKING: U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Hearing Bump Stock Ban Cases

According to News Nation, the Supreme Court of the United States began its new term on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, by declining to hear two cases involving bump stock bans. The rejected cases are W. Clark Aposhian v. Merrick B. Garland and Gun Owners of America v. Merrick B. Garland.

These cases challenged bans on bump stocks enacted under the Trump administration. Per tradition, the justices issued no statement about why they rejected these and many other cases on Monday.

From News Nation:

The Trump administration’s ban on bump stocks took effect in 2019 and came about as a result of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. The gunman, a 64-year-old retired postal service worker and a high-stakes gambler, used assault-style rifles to fire more than 1,000 rounds in 11 minutes into the crowd of 22,000 music fans. Most of the rifles were fitted with bump stock devices and high-capacity magazines. A total of 58 people were killed in the shooting and two died later. More than 850 people were injured.

The Trump administration’s move was an about-face for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In 2010, under the Obama administration, the agency found that bump stocks should not be classified as a “machinegun” and therefore should not be banned under federal law. Under the Trump administration, officials revisited that determination and found it incorrect.

This is not the first time the high court has declined to hear arguments on bump stocks, signaling that they are inclined to let such bans stand.

While this is disappointing, and while I consider banning firearm components to be a violation of constitutional rights, the opinions issued on Second Amendment cases since Heller have suggested that the court wishes to give lawmakers and regulatory agencies some leeway while firmly upholding the core right for individuals to keep and bear arms, primarily for purposes of self-defense.

We can expect to see additional cases come before the court, likely involving New York's blatant flouting of the Second Amendment after the recent Bruen ruling.

Dean Rieck is Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association, a former competitive shooter, NRA Patron Member, #1 NRA Recruiter for 2013, business owner and partner with Second Call Defense. He is also the host of the Keep and Bear Radio podcast.