How Many Bump Stocks Were Turned In?
In the aftermath of the Las Vegas shooting in 2017, bump stocks became a topic of intense scrutiny. These devices, which allow semi-automatic rifles to fire at a faster rate, were used by the gunman to kill 58 people and injure hundreds more. In response to the tragedy, the US government banned bump stocks in 2018, and states began to implement their own regulations.
The Federal Ban
On December 18, 2018, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule prohibiting the possession, sale, and manufacture of bump stocks. The rule, which went into effect on March 26, 2019, defined bump stocks as "machinegun" devices under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
State-by-State Regulation
While the federal ban applied to all states, some states had already taken action to regulate bump stocks before the federal ban went into effect. As of August 2022, 25 states have implemented their own laws or regulations regarding bump stocks. Some states, such as California, Connecticut, and New Jersey, have banned bump stocks outright, while others, like Texas and Oklahoma, have implemented stricter regulations.
Turn-In Programs
In response to the federal ban and state-level regulations, many states have implemented turn-in programs, which allow individuals to voluntarily surrender their bump stocks to authorities. These programs are often accompanied by incentives, such as cash rewards or immunity from prosecution for minor offenses.
Turn-In Numbers
So, how many bump stocks have been turned in? According to data compiled by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, over 125,000 bump stocks have been turned in nationwide as of August 2022. This number is likely an underestimate, as not all states have released data on their turn-in programs.
State-by-State Turn-In Numbers
Here is a breakdown of the number of bump stocks turned in by state, based on available data:
| State | Number of Bump Stocks Turned In |
|---|---|
| California | 24,000 |
| Colorado | 3,500 |
| Connecticut | 2,000 |
| Florida | 5,000 |
| Illinois | 1,500 |
| Maryland | 1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1,500 |
| Michigan | 3,000 |
| New Jersey | 1,500 |
| New York | 3,000 |
| Ohio | 2,000 |
| Texas | 10,000 |
| Virginia | 1,500 |
| Washington | 2,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1,000 |
Total: 125,500
Challenges and Controversies
Despite the significant number of bump stocks turned in, there are still challenges and controversies surrounding the turn-in process. Some critics have argued that the programs are not effective, as individuals may be able to avoid turning in their bump stocks by claiming they are lawfully owned or by seeking legal loopholes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the exact number of bump stocks turned in may be difficult to determine, it is clear that tens of thousands of these devices have been surrendered to authorities nationwide. As states and the federal government continue to regulate bump stocks, it is essential to monitor the effectiveness of turn-in programs and address any challenges or controversies that arise.
