In a move aimed at tackling the persistent issue of gun violence, President Biden is poised to sign an executive order focusing on emerging firearms threats. According to a senior administration official, the order will address key concerns related to gun conversion devices and 3D-printed firearms, both of which are rapidly evolving and pose significant challenges to law enforcement.
The executive order will establish a dedicated task force comprised of leaders from various federal departments and agencies. This task force will be tasked with issuing a comprehensive report within 90 days, analyzing the threat posed by machine gun conversion devices and 3D-printed firearms. The report will also delve into the capabilities of federal agencies to detect, intercept, and seize these firearms and components.
Gun conversion devices, which enable the transformation of semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic firearms, are already illegal under federal law. However, their continued use in criminal activities has prompted the administration to take action. The increasing prevalence of 3D-printed firearms, built from readily available computer code and lacking serial numbers for tracing, further fuels the concern. The fact that these firearms can be manufactured using non-metal materials makes them undetectable by metal detectors, posing a significant security risk at airports, courthouses, and other public spaces.
The executive order also aims to enhance school-based active shooter drills, with the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Homeland Security, Attorney General, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Surgeon General collaborating to develop and publish new guidelines.
This initiative comes on the heels of a recent mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, where four people lost their lives and 17 were injured. The administration’s focus on addressing these emerging firearms threats underscores the urgency of tackling gun violence in the United States, with the president aiming to take proactive measures to combat the evolving nature of firearm technology and its potential for harm.
