A recent report released by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives has shed light on the concerning issue of illegally trafficked firearms in the United States. According to the data, over 68,000 illegally trafficked firearms entered the country through unlicensed dealers between 2017 and 2021, accounting for 54% of such firearms during that period.
These unlicensed dealers, who are not required to conduct background checks, have made it easier for firearms to end up in the hands of individuals involved in criminal activities. The lack of record-keeping by these dealers poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies in tracing the origins of these weapons.
Firearms trafficking, defined as the intentional movement of guns into the illegal market for criminal purposes, has been a persistent issue. The report highlighted that straw purchases, where individuals buy guns on behalf of those who cannot legally obtain them, were the second most common form of firearm trafficking investigated by the ATF.
Disturbingly, the report revealed that a significant number of trafficked firearms were received by individuals with prior felony convictions. In nearly 60% of cases where the background of the recipient was identified, they had a criminal record. Additionally, these trafficked firearms were used in over 260 murders and more than 220 attempted murders, underscoring the link between illegal gun trafficking and violent crimes.
ATF Director emphasized the responsibility of those involved in illegal firearm trafficking, stating that they are accountable for the real violence that ensues from their actions. The average number of guns trafficked per case was found to be 16, with individuals obtaining an average of 20 weapons through unlicensed dealers.
In response to these findings, the Biden administration has proposed a rule that would expand background checks to include more gun sellers, aiming to regulate those engaged in the business of firearm sales. However, this proposal has faced opposition from gun-rights groups who argue that it could impact law-abiding citizens who occasionally sell their own firearms.
The report serves as a critical examination of firearm trafficking in the U.S., highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to address this issue and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
