A court order invalidating federal regulations on firearm suppressors and certain firearms became effective following the expiration of a seven-day appeal deadline set by U.S. District Judge James Hendrix in Lubbock, Texas. The Justice Department did not file an appeal before the deadline passed on Wednesday.
The order permits the purchase of silencers, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other weapons without registration requirements and eliminates an additional layer of background checks. The ruling applies specifically to the parties involved in the lawsuit, though advocates indicate similar legal challenges are underway in federal courts across other states. States retain authority to impose their own restrictions on suppressors independent of federal rules.
Judge Hendrix determined that regulations under the National Firearms Act, enacted in 1934, are unconstitutional. The judge based his decision in part on the elimination of a $200 permit tax on the devices by the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trump. Gun Owners of America reported that members had already obtained suppressors from retailers without registration following the ruling.
Opponents of the order characterized the government’s failure to appeal as problematic. Emma Brown, executive director of Giffords, a gun violence prevention organization, stated the decision represents “a failure to defend public safety.” Adam Skaggs, Giffords’ chief counsel, argued that the regulatory system has proven effective and remains necessary to address public safety concerns.
Gun-rights advocates framed the ruling differently. Erich Pratt, senior vice president of Gun Owners of America, described it as “a historic victory” and stated that the regulatory framework conflicts with constitutional protections. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which enforces the regulations, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Legal proceedings could continue, as the government retains the option to file an appeal in the weeks ahead despite the order’s implementation.
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