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Key Dem senator presses Biden for 'more urgency' on guns
Source: AP
By COLLEEN LONG and ZEKE MILLER
WASHINGTON (AP) — A leading Democratic senator is calling out President Joe Biden to show “more urgency” to address gun violence by executive action, as the prospects of legislation on Capitol Hill to pass gun control reforms remain slim.
Sen. Chris Murphy, who represented Newtown, Connecticut, when he was in the House at the time of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, told gun control advocates and gun violence survivors Wednesday that Biden needs to prioritize addressing so-called “ghost guns” — homemade firearms that lack serial numbers used to trace them and that are often purchased without a background check — and to nominate a leader for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“Because we are at a logjam in the United States Senate, it means that the burden on the administration to step up and take action is great,” Murphy said. “This administration can do more, this administration should do more. And I think it’s time to see some more urgency from the Biden Administration when it comes to the steps that they can take to save lives.”
Homicides spiked in 2020 as the pandemic raged and millions of frustrated Americans were jobless, scared and angry. Even before the spike, 75% of all homicides in the U.S. were due to firearm injuries and guns were responsible for 91% of all youth homicides.
FILE - Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., speaks during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations on Capitol Hill, on Dec. 7, 2021, in Washington. Murphy is calling out President Joe Biden to show "more urgency" to address gun violence by executive action, as the prospects of legislation on Capitol Hill to pass gun control reforms remain slim. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool, File)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-united-states-violence-school-shootings-shootings-e574f9da76749a4d996eee240f3533f6
4 replies
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= new reply since forum marked as read
Um.... news flash, he DID "nominate a leader" and that individual was eviscerated for being what Democrats wanted - a fierce "gun control advocate" and was subsequently torpedoed by Angus King.
Biden withdraws ATF pick David Chipman after resistance over gun control support
Joey Garrison and Nick Penzenstadler
USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Thursday withdrew David Chipman as his nominee to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after Chipman's advocacy for gun control led to bipartisan resistance in the Senate. The White House confirmed the move after USA TODAY and other media outlets reported the decision earlier in the day.
Biden said Chipman would have made "an exemplary" director of the ATF who would have "redoubled its efforts to crack down on illegal firearms traffickers and help keep our communities safe from gun violence."
"Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress have made clear that they intend to use gun crime as a political talking point instead of taking serious steps to address it," Biden said in a statement.
A former ATF agent of 25 years, Chipman drew sharp criticism from Republicans, who argued his work with gun control groups Everytown and Giffords, named after former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, disqualifies him from the position that holds law enforcement power over the nation’s gun manufacturers, importers and sellers.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/09/09/biden-withdraws-david-chipman-nomination-lead-atf/5782689001/
Joey Garrison and Nick Penzenstadler
USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Thursday withdrew David Chipman as his nominee to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after Chipman's advocacy for gun control led to bipartisan resistance in the Senate. The White House confirmed the move after USA TODAY and other media outlets reported the decision earlier in the day.
Biden said Chipman would have made "an exemplary" director of the ATF who would have "redoubled its efforts to crack down on illegal firearms traffickers and help keep our communities safe from gun violence."
"Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress have made clear that they intend to use gun crime as a political talking point instead of taking serious steps to address it," Biden said in a statement.
A former ATF agent of 25 years, Chipman drew sharp criticism from Republicans, who argued his work with gun control groups Everytown and Giffords, named after former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, disqualifies him from the position that holds law enforcement power over the nation’s gun manufacturers, importers and sellers.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/09/09/biden-withdraws-david-chipman-nomination-lead-atf/5782689001/
Where was Murphy then? Oh yeah, this tepid response - https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-withdrawal-of-chipman-nomination
Murphy Statement on Withdrawal of Chipman Nomination
September 09, 2021
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday released the following statement after David Chipman’s nomination to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was withdrawn:
“Nearly 100 American lives are taken by gun violence every single day, but the ATF, the agency responsible for overseeing federal gun laws, hasn’t had a formal director in over six years. That’s a public safety nightmare. David Chipman is a former ATF agent and a mainstream nominee, but he couldn’t make it through the Senate because too many in this place are still beholden to the gun lobby and unwilling to cross the aisle to save lives. That’s the reality, and it’s frankly shameful. Thankfully, the American people want leaders who will address the gun violence epidemic in this country, and they will continue to elect candidates who are on the right side of these issues.”
###
September 09, 2021
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday released the following statement after David Chipman’s nomination to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was withdrawn:
“Nearly 100 American lives are taken by gun violence every single day, but the ATF, the agency responsible for overseeing federal gun laws, hasn’t had a formal director in over six years. That’s a public safety nightmare. David Chipman is a former ATF agent and a mainstream nominee, but he couldn’t make it through the Senate because too many in this place are still beholden to the gun lobby and unwilling to cross the aisle to save lives. That’s the reality, and it’s frankly shameful. Thankfully, the American people want leaders who will address the gun violence epidemic in this country, and they will continue to elect candidates who are on the right side of these issues.”
###
Unfortunately the steps the Executive Branch can do - particularly when it comes to 2nd Amendment - are difficult to achieve without having the SCOTUS throw it out. It again goes back to "electing more Democrats".
Regarding "ghost guns" - last May, DOJ filed a proposed Rule to close the loophole for "ghost guns" - https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-proposes-new-regulation-update-firearm-definitions
Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Friday, May 7, 2021
Justice Department Proposes New Regulation to Update Firearm Definitions
Proposed Rule Seeks to Close “Ghost Gun” Loophole
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would update the definitions of “firearm” and related parts for the first time since 1968. The proposed rule would modernize the definition of “frame or receiver” and help close a regulatory loophole associated with the un-serialized privately made firearms that are increasingly being recovered at crime scenes across the country. These unmarked firearms, known as “ghost guns,” are often assembled from kits that are sold without background checks, making them easily acquired by criminals who otherwise would not be permitted to possess a firearm.
“We are committed to taking commonsense steps to address the epidemic of gun violence that takes the lives of too many people in our communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Criminals and others barred from owning a gun should not be able to exploit a loophole to evade background checks and to escape detection by law enforcement. This proposed rule would help keep guns out of the wrong hands and make it easier for law enforcement to trace guns used to commit violent crimes, while protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans. Although this rulemaking will solve only one aspect of the problem, we have an obligation to do our part to keep our families and our neighborhoods safe from gun violence.”
As the proposed rule explains, from 2016 to 2020, more than 23,000 un-serialized firearms were reported to have been recovered by law enforcement from potential crime scenes — including in connection with 325 homicides or attempted homicides. The proposed rule, once implemented, would help address the proliferation of these un-serialized firearms in three ways:
Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, the public will have 90 days to submit comments. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be viewed here.
To learn more about the rulemaking process, please see the attached.
Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Friday, May 7, 2021
Justice Department Proposes New Regulation to Update Firearm Definitions
Proposed Rule Seeks to Close “Ghost Gun” Loophole
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would update the definitions of “firearm” and related parts for the first time since 1968. The proposed rule would modernize the definition of “frame or receiver” and help close a regulatory loophole associated with the un-serialized privately made firearms that are increasingly being recovered at crime scenes across the country. These unmarked firearms, known as “ghost guns,” are often assembled from kits that are sold without background checks, making them easily acquired by criminals who otherwise would not be permitted to possess a firearm.
“We are committed to taking commonsense steps to address the epidemic of gun violence that takes the lives of too many people in our communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Criminals and others barred from owning a gun should not be able to exploit a loophole to evade background checks and to escape detection by law enforcement. This proposed rule would help keep guns out of the wrong hands and make it easier for law enforcement to trace guns used to commit violent crimes, while protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans. Although this rulemaking will solve only one aspect of the problem, we have an obligation to do our part to keep our families and our neighborhoods safe from gun violence.”
As the proposed rule explains, from 2016 to 2020, more than 23,000 un-serialized firearms were reported to have been recovered by law enforcement from potential crime scenes — including in connection with 325 homicides or attempted homicides. The proposed rule, once implemented, would help address the proliferation of these un-serialized firearms in three ways:
To help keep guns from being sold to convicted felons and other prohibited purchasers, the rule would make clear that retailers must run background checks before selling kits that contain the parts necessary for someone to readily make a gun at home. To help law enforcement trace guns used in a crime, the rule would require that manufacturers include a serial number on the firearm “frame or receiver” in easy-to-build firearm kits. To help reduce the number of “ghost guns” on our streets, the rule would set out requirements for federally licensed firearms dealers to have a serial number added to 3D printed guns or other un-serialized firearms they take into inventory.
Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, the public will have 90 days to submit comments. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be viewed here.
To learn more about the rulemaking process, please see the attached.
The Rule proposal was published in the Federal Register here - https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/21/2021-10058/definition-of-frame-or-receiver-and-identification-of-firearms with the public comments period closing 08/19/2021.
PDF of the publication of the Rule proposal - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-05-21/pdf/2021-10058.pdf
Update as of November 2021, where it is noted that DOJ is required to address every comment that was received for the Rule proposal (PDF) - https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46958
(snip)
In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, ATF provided the public until August 19, 2021,to comment on the proposed rule through the submission of “data, views, or arguments.”125ATF will consider the comments and, should it move forward with a final rule, must respond to any “significant” comments received before the rule becomes effective. 126
(snip)
126 Perez v. Mortg. Bankers Ass’n, 575 U.S. 92, 96 (2015) (“An agency must consider and respond to significant comments received during the period for public comment.??); see 5 U.S.C. §553(d) (requiring publication or service of rule in most cases not less than 30 days before effective date).
In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, ATF provided the public until August 19, 2021,to comment on the proposed rule through the submission of “data, views, or arguments.”125ATF will consider the comments and, should it move forward with a final rule, must respond to any “significant” comments received before the rule becomes effective. 126
(snip)
126 Perez v. Mortg. Bankers Ass’n, 575 U.S. 92, 96 (2015) (“An agency must consider and respond to significant comments received during the period for public comment.??); see 5 U.S.C. §553(d) (requiring publication or service of rule in most cases not less than 30 days before effective date).
The hope is that they are getting close -
‘Ghost Guns’: Firearm Kits Bought Online Fuel Epidemic of Violence
By Glenn Thrush
Published Nov. 14, 2021 Updated Jan. 26, 2022
(snip)
Closing that loophole is the focus of new regulations ordered by President Biden — the most prominent surviving plank of his effort to combat gun violence, announced after a string of mass shootings this year. The rules would essentially treat ghost guns as traditional firearms — requiring core components to be engraved with serial numbers, imposing background checks and requiring online purchasers to pick up their orders at federally licensed gun shops.
Law enforcement officials in California think that the rules would do much to keep ghost guns out of the hands of criminals and children. “It’s definitely going to stop some of the most obvious problems,” said the Los Angeles city attorney, Mike Feuer, who is suing a leading gun-parts vendor.
But the new rules, which are likely to be challenged in court by gun rights groups, are not expected to be implemented until early next year (ed. - as of Nov. 14 article), after a lengthy public comment process. And gun control groups have raised doubts about the robustness of enforcement by federal firearms regulators.
What’s more, while the rules would create a set of legal roadblocks, law enforcement officials say the extralegal pipeline for parts is sure to adapt and thrive. There is a huge surfeit of supplies in circulation, enough to supply dealers who sell pre-assembled guns, via social media platforms or the dark web, for years. At the same time, the increasing availability of 3-D printers, which can create the plastic and metal components of guns, has opened a new backdoor source of illegal weapons for gangs and drug dealers who would otherwise have to steal them.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/14/us/ghost-guns-homemade-firearms.html
By Glenn Thrush
Published Nov. 14, 2021 Updated Jan. 26, 2022
(snip)
Closing that loophole is the focus of new regulations ordered by President Biden — the most prominent surviving plank of his effort to combat gun violence, announced after a string of mass shootings this year. The rules would essentially treat ghost guns as traditional firearms — requiring core components to be engraved with serial numbers, imposing background checks and requiring online purchasers to pick up their orders at federally licensed gun shops.
Law enforcement officials in California think that the rules would do much to keep ghost guns out of the hands of criminals and children. “It’s definitely going to stop some of the most obvious problems,” said the Los Angeles city attorney, Mike Feuer, who is suing a leading gun-parts vendor.
But the new rules, which are likely to be challenged in court by gun rights groups, are not expected to be implemented until early next year (ed. - as of Nov. 14 article), after a lengthy public comment process. And gun control groups have raised doubts about the robustness of enforcement by federal firearms regulators.
What’s more, while the rules would create a set of legal roadblocks, law enforcement officials say the extralegal pipeline for parts is sure to adapt and thrive. There is a huge surfeit of supplies in circulation, enough to supply dealers who sell pre-assembled guns, via social media platforms or the dark web, for years. At the same time, the increasing availability of 3-D printers, which can create the plastic and metal components of guns, has opened a new backdoor source of illegal weapons for gangs and drug dealers who would otherwise have to steal them.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/14/us/ghost-guns-homemade-firearms.html
So it's amnesia time again.
Yesterday afternoon, a 12-year old boy was killed by undercover police officers here in Philly who alleged he had a gun and had fired on their vehicle (they were in the area and spotted him and another teen).
12-year-old boy fatally shot by Philadelphia police after allegedly firing at officers
March 2, 2022, 2:32 PM EST
By Elisha Fieldstadt
A 12-year-old boy was fatally shot by a Philadelphia police officer Tuesday after allegedly shooting at four officers in an unmarked patrol car, police said.
The four plain clothes officers, assigned to the city's South Task Force, were pursuing an illegal gun possession investigation when they spotted a teen wanted for questioning in relation to their investigation, according to a statement from the Philadelphia Police Department.
"At that point, they heard gunfire and glass shattering from the rear passenger window," according to police. One officer was struck by shards of glass while two others pursued the 12-year-old, who had shot at the car. The boy, identified by police as Thomas Siderio, was shot in his upper right back area, with the bullet exiting from the left chest area. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The officer who was hit by the shards of glass was treated at the hospital and released. No other officers were injured. The gun allegedly shot by Siderio, a Taurus, 9MM, semi-automatic handgun, was recovered at the scene, police said. The firearm had been stolen.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/12-year-old-boy-fatally-shot-philadelphia-police-allegedly-firing-offi-rcna18363
March 2, 2022, 2:32 PM EST
By Elisha Fieldstadt
A 12-year-old boy was fatally shot by a Philadelphia police officer Tuesday after allegedly shooting at four officers in an unmarked patrol car, police said.
The four plain clothes officers, assigned to the city's South Task Force, were pursuing an illegal gun possession investigation when they spotted a teen wanted for questioning in relation to their investigation, according to a statement from the Philadelphia Police Department.
"At that point, they heard gunfire and glass shattering from the rear passenger window," according to police. One officer was struck by shards of glass while two others pursued the 12-year-old, who had shot at the car. The boy, identified by police as Thomas Siderio, was shot in his upper right back area, with the bullet exiting from the left chest area. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The officer who was hit by the shards of glass was treated at the hospital and released. No other officers were injured. The gun allegedly shot by Siderio, a Taurus, 9MM, semi-automatic handgun, was recovered at the scene, police said. The firearm had been stolen.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/12-year-old-boy-fatally-shot-philadelphia-police-allegedly-firing-offi-rcna18363
Apparently this boy had been reported missing 2 years ago -
11-year-old boy missing from South Philadelphia since Tuesday
Published April 16, 2020 | Updated 12:16PM | Missing Persons | FOX 29 Philadelphia
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Police are asking for the public's help in locating an 11-year-old boy reported missing from South Philadelphia.
Authorities say Thomas Siderio Jr. was reported missing by his guardian on Wednesday.
According to police, Siderio Jr. had not been seen since Tuesday afternoon on the 900 block of Daly Street.
https://www.fox29.com/news/11-year-old-boy-missing-from-south-philadelphia-since-tuesday
Published April 16, 2020 | Updated 12:16PM | Missing Persons | FOX 29 Philadelphia
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Police are asking for the public's help in locating an 11-year-old boy reported missing from South Philadelphia.
Authorities say Thomas Siderio Jr. was reported missing by his guardian on Wednesday.
According to police, Siderio Jr. had not been seen since Tuesday afternoon on the 900 block of Daly Street.
https://www.fox29.com/news/11-year-old-boy-missing-from-south-philadelphia-since-tuesday
So yes it is horrible - particularly when you have so many children who have been victims and now children who have been suspected as being perpetrators as well.
