There’s been significant speculation about the ATF’s future actions regarding FRTWOT triggers, with concerns about potential door-to-door raids and arrests of those in possession of these items. To shed light on this matter, let’s analyze the recent developments and warnings surrounding FRT triggers.
Reno May, a prominent figure in the gun community, delved into this issue and conducted some sleuthing after receiving a video from a viewer. The person in the video claimed to have only searched for the FRT trigger on Gunbroker but never made a purchase. This leads to two plausible scenarios: either the viewer is lying and did indeed make the purchase, or the ATF has access to Gunbroker’s search history.
From recent video footage, it’s evident that ATF agents have been visiting individuals’ homes, stating that possession of FRT triggers is illegal and that the individuals are ON NOTICE. This heightened enforcement raises questions about how the ATF is gathering information to build their cases.
There have been reports of ATF agents reaching out to people and, in some cases, even resorting to borderline harassment at their places of business or work. The ATF is actively combing through lists of Gunbroker sales and tracking down purchasers, especially those who bought from major accounts and known sellers.
The key issue here is the question of knowledge. Prosecutors, both at the federal and state levels, need to establish that individuals had been appropriately notified about the illegality of possessing FRT triggers. This might involve sending warning letters through the mail or, in more assertive cases, directly sending agents to individuals’ doors to ensure they are aware of the restrictions.
For those who genuinely never purchased the item but were merely searching for it online, it’s essential to be aware of the digital breadcrumb trail you leave. Even just searching for certain items online can raise red flags and potentially justify a search warrant and raid, especially in cases involving alleged machine guns. FYI Searching in incognito doesn’t protect you in any way.
Constructive possession is also a crucial legal concept to understand. It means that someone may not physically possess the machine gun itself, but possessing certain parts or components that can assemble into an illegal item could still lead to legal repercussions.
It’s essential to realize that, regardless of one’s opinions on these enforcement actions, the ATF is indeed sending warning signals before proceeding with raids and arrests. This reality can’t be ignored, and individuals need to be prepared if ATF agents come knocking.
Stay informed, and remember, being aware of your legal rights and obligations is vital in these situations.
