In a recent interview on “State of the Union,” Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a federal ban on bump stocks. He warned that the Court’s actions suggest a readiness to overhaul the Second Amendment, making it difficult for Congress to regulate guns and ensure the safety of communities and schools.
The overturning of the bump stock ban is the latest in a series of pro-gun rulings from the conservative-leaning bench. Former President Donald Trump had implemented the ban following a tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017, but a Texas gun store owner successfully challenged it in court.
Bump stocks enable semi-automatic rifles to fire multiple rounds per minute, and their legalization has sparked debate among lawmakers. While gun control advocates have criticized the Court’s decision, Republicans have largely supported it, claiming the ban was unconstitutional.
GOP Sen. Tom Cotton expressed concerns that the ban infringed on Second Amendment rights, arguing that the focus should be on tackling violent crime rather than restricting lawful gun owners. Despite the lack of direct reliance on the Second Amendment in this case, the ruling has reignited discussions surrounding gun control.
Senator Murphy, a vocal advocate for gun safety legislation since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, remains hopeful for progress in creating safer communities. He highlighted dropping urban gun homicide rates as a sign of positive change in the country’s approach to gun laws.
