The Department of Justice has taken a definitive step against the threat of illegal machinegun conversion devices by forming a new committee focused on eradicating these dangerous items from the streets, according to the U.S. Attorey's Office. Dubbed the Action Network to Terminate Illegal Machinegun Conversion Devices, this committee will be helmed by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester and ATF Deputy Assistant Director Tim Jones, both bringing a wealth of experience to this urgent cause.
Machinegun conversion devices, commonly called "switches" or "auto sears," are notorious for their ability to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns with the potential to discharge multiple rounds with a single trigger pull, these devices have been linked to a significant increase in public safety risks and have been illegal under federal law, which has not stemmed their proliferation across American communities. The new committee's approach is timely, considering the ever-growing concerns raised by law enforcement and the public alike, as per U.S. Attorney's Office.
The Action Network to Terminate Illegal Machinegun Conversion Devices Committee's agenda is broad and strategic, set to encompass leadership and guidance on deploying resources, working with various partners on joint prosecution efforts, and ensuring coordination among Department components and other stakeholders, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the crucial role the committee will play in joint efforts with federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement to clamp down on the spread of these devices.
In remarks obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office press release, U.S. Attorney Troester stated, "MCDs present a clear and immediate danger in our communities to both the public and law enforcement. We must combat this threat with an all-hands approach," his words underscore the unanimous agreement on the severity of the impact of machinegun conversion devices have on public safety. Timothy Jones, Deputy Assistant Director of Field Operations at ATF, added, "MCDs are a significant public safety threat that continues to grow more pervasive each day," expressing his honor at bringing ATF's investigative and technical expertise to the initiative.
The formation of the Action Network to Terminate Illegal Machinegun Conversion Devices Committee follows on the heels of Project Switch Off, a local Project Safe Neighborhood initiative launched in November 2023 by the Western District of Oklahoma, this project has seen significant results in addressing the issue, with federal prosecutors and ATF training nearly 750 law enforcement officers on machinegun conversion devices, and over the last year, 39 individuals prosecuted for machinegun conversion devices-related offenses, up from just eight between 2020 and 2022, demonstrating the pressing need for continued and enhanced efforts against machinegun conversion devices proliferation.
