DOJ leaves in place ruling that deregulates silencers, shotguns

The Justice Department has opted not to pause a Texas judge's ruling that deregulates silencers, short-barreled rifles, and shotguns, allowing Americans to possess these items without federal registration. U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the Northern District of Texas issued the ruling on August 5, and the Justice Department's deadline to request a stay expired Thursday. Kris Brown, president of the gun-control group Brady, criticized the decision, stating, "Today, our government is failing us." She added that these "uniquely lethal weapons and devices" have been deregulated for the first time in nearly a century. While the Justice Department can still appeal the ruling, a spokesperson noted they "respect Americans' Second Amendment rights and are currently assessing the impact of the court's ruling." The National Firearms Act, enacted in 1934, previously regulated these firearms and required registration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, aiding in tracing ownership during investigations. Judge Hendrix determined the National Firearms Act's regulatory scheme for these items is unconstitutional because a provision in the 2025 "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" eliminated the $200 tax on regulated firearm transfers, removing the constitutional basis for the NFA's regulation. Emma Brown, executive director for the gun-control group Giffords, called the Justice Department's decision "a failure to defend public safety," warning that silencers and easily concealable weapons could now fall into the wrong hands. The lawsuit consolidated two cases brought by various gun rights organizations, manufacturers, and Republican-controlled states.

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Today, our government is failing us. At midnight, uniquely lethal weapons and devices, including silencers, short-barreled rifles, and shotguns, were deregulated for the first time in nearly a century.