Trump's Justice Department Makes First Move Against Bump Stocks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Saturday, the Department of Justice submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a notice of a proposed regulation to clarify that the definition of “machinegun” in the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act includes bump stock type devices, and that federal law accordingly prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of such devices.

A bump stock is an aftermarket modification a rifle owner can install that allows a semi-automatic firing mechanism to mimic rapid firing of a fully automatic machinegun. A bump stock was used by the Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock who killed 58 and injured 851 from his perch in a top floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel in 2017.

WATCH: A demonstration of a bump stock:
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"President Trump is absolutely committed to ensuring the safety and security of every American and he has directed us to propose a regulation addressing bump stocks,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “To that end, the Department of Justice has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a notice of a proposed regulation to clarify that the National Firearms and Gun Control Act defines ‘machinegun’ to include bump stock type devices.”

This submission is a formal requirement of the regulatory review process. Once approved by the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Justice will seek to publish this notice as expeditiously as possible.