Closing the Gun Show Loophole, U.S. Department of Justice Implements New Regulations on Gun Dealers

U.S. Department of Justice Implements New Regulations on Gun Dealers
U.S. Department of Justice Implements New Regulations on Gun Dealers. Credit | REUTERS

United States—The U.S. Department of Justice said on Thursday that an ordinance requiring all gun dealers to acquire federal licenses and conduct criminal background checks regardless of their location was agreed upon and will be implemented within a short time, as reported by Reuters.

Importance

Primarily designed to close the so-called “gun show loophole,” Obama’s rule puts a 2clear measure for what sales would be deemed ones that are undertaken by the business so that those selling weapons at gun shows, other venues, and online would be subject to the same inquiry on the past criminal record or mental health problems of buyers as gun stores do.

Statistically speaking, about 23,000 individuals are involved in unlicensed gun dealing in the United States annually, and the rule will affect tens of thousands of gun sales per year, the official said.

Gun-related violence against children in the U.S. is at a very alarming rate in 2021; the recent years have witnessed a rampant number of mass shootings, and the death rate of gun-related violence in this country is much higher compared to the wealthy nations.

Quote

“Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or a brick-and-mortar store. If you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

Context

U.S. Department of Justice. Credit | REUTERS

The Justice Department suggested the regulation in August and allowed the public to present their feedback. It was submitted to the Federal Register yesterday and will be published shortly, effective on the 30th day of the day of publication.

This norm will lead to a rise in the number of background checks, but it will not be equal to the universal background check. The sale of some firearms to relatives will be permitted without prior background inquiry.

In the United States, lawmakers approved a federal gun reform measure in June 2022 after a trail of mass shootings and one month after the Supreme Court decision that expanded firearm owners’ rights.

In March 2023, President Joe Biden issued an executive order aimed at deepening background checks for gun purchases, and he requested Congress make further efforts in this direction, as reported by Reuters.

Gun rights organizations will probably file a lawsuit to overturn the law.