In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a federal ban on bump stocks, a device that allows semiautomatic weapons to fire at rates comparable to automatic firearms. The ruling, passed with a 6-3 vote, determined that the government overstepped its authority when it implemented the ban in 2018, following the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 dead.

The case originated from a lawsuit filed by Michael Cargill, a gun shop owner in Austin, Texas, who challenged the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulation. The Fifth Circuit Court ruled in his favor, prompting the Biden administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Justice Samuel Alito, in his concurring opinion, emphasized the importance of adhering to the statutory text, suggesting that Congress would not have differentiated between a machine gun and a semiautomatic rifle equipped with a bump stock. In contrast, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, dissenting, argued that the ruling disregards Congress's definition of a machine gun, likening the situation to recognizing a duck by its characteristics.

The decision reflects a broader trend in recent Supreme Court rulings favoring gun rights and limiting federal regulatory power. Approximately 520,000 bump stocks are estimated to be in circulation, raising concerns about their potential use in future violent incidents.

The ruling also sets the stage for upcoming cases related to firearm possession, including a significant case concerning the federal ban on gun ownership for individuals under domestic violence protective orders. This case will further explore the implications of the Second Amendment and the historical context of gun regulations in the United States.