News Summary

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has successfully blocked the sale and return of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) in the state, in collaboration with 16 other state attorneys general. This legal victory comes as the Trump administration planned to distribute MCDs, which have been linked to a 1,400% increase in gunfire crimes. The new regulations also include bipartisan bills aimed at enhancing gun control, addressing concerns surrounding public safety and the proliferation of dangerous firearms accessories.

Lansing, Michigan – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced a significant legal victory in her efforts to combat gun violence through a successful lawsuit that blocks the sale and return of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) within the state. This legal action was taken in collaboration with a coalition of 16 other state attorneys general, and it comes at a time when the Trump administration had plans to distribute thousands of these devices.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed in court that it would not return MCDs to Michigan or the other states involved in the lawsuit. This decision marks a crucial turning point in the ongoing battle against unnecessary and dangerous firearms accessories.

Attorney General Nessel emphasized the threat posed by these devices, particularly focusing on Forced Reset Triggers, which enable semi-automatic firearms to fire at rates similar to automatic weapons. The attorney general asserted that MCDs “have no place in our communities,” highlighting the significance of the lawsuit in safeguarding public safety. She expressed a strong commitment to challenging illegal federal actions that undermine local authorities’ ability to protect their constituents.

The proliferation of MCDs has been a cause for concern among law enforcement and community leaders, as they are linked to an alarming 1,400% increase in crimes involving gunfire from automatic-style weapons. The increase in such firearms has been tied to numerous violent incidents, including mass shootings and gang-related violence across the state.

A separate case related to MCDs involved a 22-year-old man named Jaquan Foreman, who was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for supplying these dangerous devices to gang members in Lansing. Foreman’s case illustrated the dire consequences of MCD possession, as he was convicted of providing devices that allowed semi-automatic firearms to fire hundreds of rounds in a short amount of time. His association with a Lansing-area gang linked him to multiple violent events, reinforcing concerns regarding the impact of MCDs on public safety.

During a search of Foreman’s residence, authorities discovered an MCD, along with ammunition and other firearm parts, substantiating the claim that he was actively distributing these devices among gang members. The investigation also revealed that some affiliates of Foreman had previous convictions for possession of machine guns, highlighting a growing trend of firearm-related crime in the area.

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten has voiced strong support for strict enforcement against individuals involved in the possession of MCDs, underscoring the increasing threat these weapons pose to communities. The Michigan Senate has also begun to address these concerns by passing a series of new gun control bills aimed at regulating devices like MCDs. Among these is a bipartisan-supported legislation to ban bump stocks, categorizing them alongside silencers and machine guns due to their potential for misuse.

The new laws are part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen gun safety regulations in the state. Other legislative measures introduced include regulations concerning ‘ghost guns,’ which cover homemade firearms, as well as mandates for safe storage laws, universal background checks, and red flag laws. These measures have already demonstrated impact, resulting in the temporary removal of firearms from almost 300 individuals during their first year of implementation.

These recent developments reflect Michigan’s proactive stance in confronting the complex issues surrounding gun violence and the associated dangers presented by MCDs. As the state moves forward, Attorney General Nessel’s coalition remains committed to fighting harmful policies and advocating for laws that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of Michigan residents.