President Trump has directed the Justice Department not to appeal a court ruling that eases restrictions on certain firearms, known as “gangster weapons,” allowing Americans to possess or sell short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and silencers with less oversight. These weapons have been heavily regulated since 1934 under the National Firearms Act due to their dangerous nature. However, U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix ruled that most restrictions on these firearms are unconstitutional. Despite opposition from some Justice Department lawyers who argue this decision could negatively impact federal firearms prosecutions, Trump has assured Republican members of Congress that the ruling will not be contested. The decision stems from lawsuits by 15 red states and gun rights groups, though it only applies to those involved in the case. The ruling does not affect popular firearms like AR-15s and Glock pistols.
QUESTION: How might the decision to loosen restrictions on certain firearms impact public safety and the legal system in the future?
Trump ordered DOJ not to appeal ruling loosening gun limits, sources say
