A federal judge in Texas has issued a temporary block on a new rule from the Biden administration that mandates background checks for gun sellers at gun shows and online. This decision follows a lawsuit initiated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other gun rights advocates.
Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk granted a preliminary injunction against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from enforcing this rule in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Utah. The injunction also covers several gun rights groups and an individual involved in the lawsuit.
The controversial rule aims to close the “gun show loophole” by requiring anyone selling firearms primarily for profit to obtain a federal license and conduct background checks, extending beyond traditional brick-and-mortar gun stores. President Joe Biden has championed this rule as a measure to reduce gun violence, urging Congress to pass legislation for universal background checks.
Legal Challenge and Rationale
Attorney General Paxton has argued that the new ATF rule oversteps the agency’s authority as defined by Congress and infringes on Second Amendment rights. “This rule went beyond the authority granted to the agency by Congress and represented a flagrant violation of the Second Amendment,” Paxton’s office stated.
Judge Kacsmaryk, appointed by former President Donald Trump, has been a prominent figure in other high-profile cases, including a ruling against the FDA’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. His recent decision adds another notable ruling to his record, further cementing his role in significant legal battles over federal regulations.
The legal tussle highlights a significant clash over gun control measures between federal authorities and gun rights proponents. Paxton’s successful bid for a temporary restraining order in May was a precursor to the current injunction, reflecting ongoing resistance to the administration’s efforts to tighten gun sale regulations.
Federal Response
Despite the setback, the Biden administration maintains confidence that the rule will withstand legal challenges. Administration officials have emphasized that the rule is a necessary step toward reducing gun-related violence and saving lives. President Biden reiterated his commitment to implementing comprehensive background checks, calling on Congress to act.