States unite to block Trump administration's gun attachment deal

In recent weeks, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware have banded together to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding a significant issue related to gun control. This lawsuit aims to halt the legalization of devices known as forced-reset triggers which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire at rates similar to fully automatic guns. The legal action was prompted by a settlement reached on May 16, 2023, between the Trump administration and Rare Breed Triggers, the manufacturer of these controversial devices. The settlement potentially undermines federal law regarding gun regulation and raises concerns about public safety. The forced-reset trigger, or FRT, essentially modifies the standard trigger mechanism of an AR-15-style rifle allowing it to fire more rapidly than intended. This device has faced significant scrutiny from law enforcement and state officials who argue that such weapon modifications contribute to increased gun violence and insecurity among citizens. Moreover, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives previously designated these devices as machine guns, adhering to strict government regulations. However, following the settlement, there are fears that it opens the floodgates for dangerous devices back into the market and endangers public safety. The ongoing debate surrounding the classification of forced-reset triggers has seen varied interpretations and legal arguments. As the Biden administration had maintained the stance that these devices should fit under the classification of machine guns, allowing their sale directly contradicts their regulations. The August 2023 danger lies not only in the devices themselves but in the larger questions about the government's role and responsibilities in ensuring public safety, particularly concerning firearms. The return of previously seized devices also poses potential hazards, with critics citing it as a path to escalated gun violence. The lawsuit's filing highlights a unified stance among these three states against the perceived leniency in federal gun regulations stemming from the Trump administration's agreement. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin from New Jersey expressed the urgency of blocking these devices from circulating within their states, claiming, "We're seeking a preliminary injunction to block the redistribution of forced-reset triggers into our states." Additionally, the state of Maryland has been proactive in gun violence prevention efforts, previously filing a lawsuit against Glock, a gun manufacturer, related to similar automatic weapon conversion allegations. This string of legal actions underscores a growing trend among state governments to combat the continuous threat of gun violence through stringent regulation and accountability measures, as well as their commitment to public safety against federal decisions perceived as detrimental.