Michigan has taken a decisive step to curb the proliferation of machine-gun conversion devices within its borders. Attorney General Dana Nessel, in collaboration with attorneys general from 15 other states, including the District of Columbia, has secured a commitment to stop the distribution of these devices, known as Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs), in Michigan. These triggers, capable of turning a semi-automatic firearm into a rapid-fire weapon akin to a fully automatic machine gun, have been linked to an increase in violent crimes and mass shootings.
According to a recent press release by the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the Trump Administration will refrain from returning or selling FRTs to Michigan and the other plaintiff states as part of a multistate litigation. This decision comes as a response from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which confirmed their position to a judge, and from Rare Breed Triggers, a leading manufacturer of FRTs, in their court filings. The coalition of states, satisfied with the assurance, withdrew their motion for a preliminary injunction.
"These dangerous conversion devices have no place in our communities, and I am proud that our legal efforts have ensured they are kept out of Michigan," Nessel said, as reported by the Attorney General's Office. "This outcome shows that when we challenge reckless and illegal federal actions, we can protect lives. I will continue to work alongside my fellow attorneys general to stand up for our residents and fight policies that ignore common sense and the rule of law."
The ATF has reported a 1,400% rise in incidents involving machine guns equipped with MCDs between 2019 and 2021, underscoring the threat these devices pose. The coalition’s success in addressing this threat includes states from across the country, from Delaware to Hawai‘i, all united on the need to regulate these devices. By restricting access to FRTs and similar modifications, the AG's efforts take an important step toward reducing gun violence and protecting public safety.
Other states joining Michigan in this legal action against the distribution of FRTs include Delaware, Maryland, Colorado, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
