By Brian Brant
(WASHINGTON) The Department of Justice proposed new rules on Monday on how states can apply gun modifications and craft legislation enabling temporary seizure "red flag" laws, according to Axios.
“The Justice Department is determined to take concrete steps to reduce the tragic toll of gun violence in our communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement. “Today we continue to deliver on our promise to help save lives while protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans. We welcome the opportunity to work with communities in the weeks and months ahead in our shared commitment to end gun violence.”
The DOJ released model legislation advising states to draft laws that allow states to seize weapons owned by individuals deemed threatening or "in crisis" by family members or police.
The agency also proposed regulating pistols that are outfitted with stabilizing braces that have allowed for comfortable shoulder firing, making a weapon the equivalent of a short-barreled rifle.
"These requirements are important public safety measures because they regulate the transfer of these dangerous weapons and help ensure they do not end up in the wrong hands," the DOJ said in their statement. "The proposed rule would clarify when these attached accessories convert pistols into weapons covered by these heightened regulations."
Axios reports Monday's recommendations came as the number of mass shootings rose sharply during the pandemic with 12 mass shootings seen over just one weekend in May. The Gun Violence Archive reported as of Monday there have been 254 mass shootings in 2021 and over 18,000 deaths.