Federal Judge Halts Biden’s Gun Background Check Expansion

A federal judge has temporarily stopped a Biden administration initiative aimed at expanding background checks for firearm purchases, sparking a flurry of reactions and reigniting debates surrounding gun control in the United States.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo issued a restraining order, preventing the implementation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ rule in Republican-led Texas and against certain gun rights groups. The decision followed a lawsuit filed by Texas and several gun rights advocates from Republican-led states.

The rule, which was finalized recently, intended to mandate gun dealers to obtain licenses and conduct background checks for firearms sold at gun shows and online. The Biden administration argued that the measure aimed to close the “gun show loophole” and ensure comprehensive background checks for all gun transactions.

However, Judge Kacsmaryk sided with the plaintiffs, agreeing that the rule contradicted the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed in 2022. He criticized the lack of a safe harbor provision for most gun owners, especially those purchasing or selling firearms for personal protection.

While the restraining order remains in effect until June 2 pending further litigation, reactions to the ruling have been varied. Texas Attorney General Paxton praised the decision for preventing the enforcement of what he deemed an “illegal rule,” while gun control advocates expressed disappointment, emphasizing the urgency for stricter measures to curb gun violence.

The ruling comes amid ongoing efforts by the Biden administration to tackle gun violence and implement gun control reforms. However, it underscores the challenges of navigating a politically divided landscape when enacting such policies. As discussions around gun control persist, the fate of the Biden-backed rule remains uncertain, awaiting further legal proceedings and potential appeals.