The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives has released new data showing that over 68,000 illegally trafficked firearms in the U.S. came through unlicensed dealers over a five-year period. This represents 54% of all illegally trafficked firearms between 2017 and 2021. These guns were used in 368 shooting cases, making them harder to investigate as unlicensed dealers are not required to keep records of their sales. This lack of traceability back to the original buyer poses a challenge for federal agents.
The report also highlights the prevalence of straw purchases, where someone buys a gun for a person who cannot legally obtain it themselves, as the second-highest share of firearm-trafficking cases investigated by ATF. Additionally, the recipients of trafficked firearms were often individuals with previous felony convictions. These illegally trafficked firearms were used in additional crimes in nearly 25% of cases, including over 260 murders and more than 220 attempted murders, according to the report. This data indicates a direct link between illegally trafficked firearms and real violence in the nation.
The average number of guns trafficked per case was found to be 16, with people who obtained them through unlicensed dealers purchasing 20 weapons on average, compared to 11 guns for straw buyers. Given these findings, ATF Director Steve Dettelbach emphasized the responsibility of those engaging in illegal firearm trafficking for the resulting violence in the country. The Biden administration has proposed a rule that would expand background checks to thousands more gun sellers, targeting those who are in the business of firearm sales. This proposal has faced criticism from gun-rights groups who argue that it could impact law-abiding individuals who occasionally sell their own guns.
The Justice Department’s aim with the proposed rule is to address the issue of unlicensed dealers contributing to firearm trafficking and ultimately violence in the nation. The report also sheds light on the need for increased regulation and enforcement measures to prevent illegal firearms from entering the market. Over the five years covered in the report, 3,400 unlicensed dealers were investigated by the ATF, highlighting the scale of the issue. By analyzing firearm trafficking investigations, the Justice Department hopes to gain insights that can inform policies and actions to tackle this pressing concern.
Overall, the new data released by the ATF provides a detailed look into the prevalence and impact of illegally trafficked firearms in the U.S. The report underscores the role of unlicensed dealers and straw purchases in facilitating firearm trafficking and the subsequent violence that ensues. With the proposed rule to expand background checks on gun sellers, the Biden administration aims to address this issue and prevent further harm caused by illegally trafficked firearms. The findings of the report emphasize the urgency of effective regulatory measures and enforcement actions to combat firearm trafficking and enhance public safety.
