AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from enforcing a new rule in Texas that would require firearms dealers to run background checks on buyers at gun shows or other places outside brick-and-mortar stores.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, came before the rule had been set to take effect Monday. The order also prevents the federal government from enforcing the rule against several gun-rights groups, including Gun Owners of America. It does not apply to Louisiana, Mississippi and Utah, which were also part of the lawsuit.
“Plaintiffs understandably fear that these presumptions will trigger civil or criminal penalties for conduct deemed lawful just yesterday,” Kacsmaryk said in his ruling.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives declined to comment. The Justice Department didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Judge pushes decision to next week on Alec Baldwin's indictment in fatal 2021 shooting
Lawsuit by Chicago Tribune staffers claims race and sex discrimination
Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
Middle East eyes tourists from China
Some rivers within Pearl River, Yangtze River basins to see floods above warning level
Dodgers acquire lefty Anthony Banda from Guardians for cash
Student fatally shot, suspect detained at Georgia's Kennesaw State University
TV series creates tourism boom in China's Yunnan
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
LPGA monitoring health issues after 10 players withdraw from Mizuho Americas Open