A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Biden administration from enforcing a new federal rule that mandates background checks for firearm sales conducted online and at gun shows. This preliminary injunction, issued by US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, applies to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Utah. Additionally, the injunction affects several gun rights groups and an individual gun owner in Texas involved in the lawsuit.
US District Judge Kacsmaryk, appointed by former President Donald Trump, stated that the Biden administration violated federal rulemaking procedures when finalizing the rule. The rule, effective since May 20, aims to close the "gun show loophole" by clarifying what it means to be "engaged in the business" of selling firearms. By doing so, the Justice Department intends to ensure compliance with federal background check requirements.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the injunction, asserting that the Biden administration's rule was unconstitutional. More than a dozen Republican-led states are also challenging the rule in a separate lawsuit led by the Attorney General of Kansas. The temporary block on this rule will remain in effect pending the resolution of the lawsuit.
The Justice Department has been contacted for comment.