In 2017, a tragic mass shooting occurred in Las Vegas where a gunman used bump stocks to kill 60 people at a concert. This event led to a bipartisan agreement that bump stocks should be banned. Bump stocks are attachments that allow a semiautomatic rifle to fire more rapidly. Former President Donald J. Trump implemented a restriction on bump stocks in 2018 through an executive order, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
The ban on bump stocks was unique in a time of intense debate and division over gun violence, as it received support from Democrats, Republicans, and even the National Rifle Association. The Las Vegas shooting, which was the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, highlighted the destructive potential of bump stocks.
During the attack in Las Vegas, the gunman had smuggled rifles and ammunition into his hotel suite and opened fire on the crowd attending the Route 91 Harvest country music festival. The rapid-fire bursts of gunfire resulted in the deaths of 58 people, including the gunman, and left hundreds more injured as they tried to escape the chaos.
Investigators later discovered that about a dozen of the gunman’s rifles were equipped with bump stocks. These devices, which can be purchased for as little as $99, allow a semiautomatic rifle to mimic the firing rate of a machine gun. By harnessing the energy from the recoil of the weapon, bump stocks enable rapid back-and-forth movement, leading to a higher rate of fire.
The use of bump stocks in the Las Vegas shooting brought attention to the need for stricter regulations on firearm accessories that can enhance the lethality of weapons. The ban on bump stocks was a step towards preventing future tragedies like the one that occurred in Las Vegas.
Overall, the ban on bump stocks serves as a reminder of the importance of bipartisan action in addressing issues related to gun violence and public safety. It is crucial for lawmakers to work together to implement effective measures that can help prevent mass shootings and protect communities from harm.