Overview

• The Court ruled 6-3 that the ATF exceeded its authority by classifying bump stocks as machine guns under federal law.
• Justice Clarence Thomas stated that bump stocks do not meet the statutory definition of machine guns.
• The decision has been met with significant controversy, with dissenting justices highlighting potential public safety risks.
• The ruling underscores a shift towards textualism and away from judicial activism under Chief Justice John Roberts.
• Critics argue the decision ignores the practical implications of bump stocks, which can enable rapid fire similar to machine guns.