In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court struck down the ban on bump stocks, a contentious accessory that allows semi-automatic rifles to fire more rapidly. Contrary to some popular beliefs, bump stocks do not transform a semi-automatic weapon into a machine gun any more than pedal assist turns an e-bike into a high-speed motorcycle.

Following the ruling, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy appeared on MSNBC with host Jason Johnson to discuss the decision. Their conversation, filled with anti-Second Amendment rhetoric, warrants a closer examination and debunking.

Jason Johnson claimed that the Supreme Court is controlled by the far right. However, this assertion is flawed, considering three of the justices dissented from the decision. It’s crucial to approach such topics with accuracy and not sweeping generalizations.

The discussion suggested that bump stocks drastically increase firing rates, likening them to machine guns. This comparison is misleading. Bump stocks assist the shooter in pulling the trigger faster but still fall short of the fire rate of actual machine guns, which can fire 600-800 rounds per minute. In contrast, the Las Vegas shooter, who used a bump stock, managed around 90 rounds per minute.

Senator Murphy and Johnson argued that bump stocks are a significant threat to public safety. However, among the hundreds of thousands of bump stocks sold, they have been used in a crime only once. Additionally, bump stocks can reduce accuracy, potentially limiting their lethality.

### Clarifying Misconceptions on Mass and School Shootings

Johnson’s portrayal of mass shootings requires scrutiny. The incidents he referenced, such as those at Morgan State, the University of Virginia, and UNC Chapel Hill, involved targeted violence rather than the indiscriminate nature typical of mass shootings.

Criminologist Alan Fox points out that mass shootings are not as prevalent as often portrayed. The odds of an American child dying in a school mass shooting are about 10 million to 1, comparable to the likelihood of being struck by lightning.

### The Supreme Court’s Role in Interpreting Law

Senator Murphy criticized the Court’s decision based on ideological grounds, but the role of the Supreme Court is to interpret the law objectively. In this case, they determined that a semi-automatic rifle with a bump stock does not meet the legal definition of a machine gun, as defined by §5845(b).

The Anti-Gun lobby frequently changes definitions to suit their agenda, much like the term “assault weapon.” The ATF initially did not classify bump stocks as machine guns until after the Las Vegas shooting, a stance they reversed to push for tighter gun control.

Despite fears that lifting the ban will lead to more deaths, historical data shows only one incident involving a bump stock. Additionally, automatic fire is generally less accurate, serving more to intimidate than to cause mass casualties.

The gun community’s opposition to the bump stock ban stems from concerns over the precedent it sets. If an accessory can be banned due to its use in a single incident, it paves the way for broader gun bans.

Senator Murphy’s comment about circumventing the Supreme Court reveals a broader strategy of passing laws they know to be unconstitutional, banking on the slow judicial process. This tactic allows anti-gun groups time to influence the courts and legislative bodies gradually.

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the bump stock ban reaffirms their role in interpreting law based on the Constitution, not public opinion or political pressure. As the debate continues, it’s crucial to base arguments on factual evidence and legal definitions rather than emotional or ideological grounds. The gun community remains vigilant, understanding that the fight for their rights is ongoing and multifaceted.

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