Massachusetts lawmakers urge ATF to stem influx of illegal firearms into the state

Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation recently sent a letter to the heads of the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), urging the ATF to increase its work to mitigate the influx of illegal firearms into Massachusetts from other states.

The guns are transported into Massachusetts from states with weaker gun laws, often by unlicensed individuals or straw purchasers, and resold. Straw purchasers are individuals who purchase guns on behalf of people who cannot purchase them legally.

“While Massachusetts suffers one of the highest rates of interstate gun trafficking, this problem is not unique to the commonwealth,” said the Oct. 23 letter led by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). “Nationwide, almost one-third of guns recovered in crimes were trafficked from other states.”

The group of eight lawmakers who signed the letter made several recommendations, including ensuring more consistent crime gun tracing and training of local law enforcement; increasing public access to gun trafficking data on interstate gun trafficking and the sources of crime guns; expanding reporting requirements for multiple sales of rifles; improving inspections of high-risk and noncompliant dealers; and implementation of a newly finalized rule that will require more sellers to obtain federal licenses and comply with federal safety requirements that help identify potential traffickers.

The requirements for the finalized rule, known as the “Engaged in the Business” rule, include maintaining inventory records, conducting background checks, and reporting when customers purchase two or more handguns within five consecutive business days.

The lawmakers requested the ATF provide an update by Nov. 7.

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