Federal appeals court tosses out challenge to bump stock ban

A federal appeals court Thursday tossed out a challenge to the federal ban on bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire at a more rapid pace.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Daniel Patrick, the gun owner who brought the case, did not have standing to sue the Justice Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The appeals court dismissed Patrick’s arguments that the rule was invalid because it was first made in 2018 by then-acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who Patrick claimed was improperly designated to his post by then-President Trump. The rule was later approved again in 2019 by then-Attorney General William Barr, who had been confirmed by the Senate.

The court also said Patrick failed to effectively argue that he would suffer a “concrete” injury in being forced to give up his bump stock.