Firing away at bump stocks, ghost guns

Legislators get mixed message about tech devices

HARTFORD — An overflow crowd on Friday sent a legislative committee a mixed message over banning devices that allow a rifle to fire nine bullets a second, and kits that allow purchasers to build untraceable guns.

Several bills before the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee seek to ban bump stocks — devices that increase the rate of fire — and ghost guns, weapons assembled from parts that do not contain a serial number and can be purchased without a background check.

Daniela Snow, a Norwalk mother of three, said ghost guns and bump stocks are not needed.

“Ghost guns and bump stocks are a clear example of how technology evolves and the laws around it don’t,” Snow said. “We have to be better as a society and be ahead of the curve. It seems like a common-sense solution to ban both.”

But Ralph Russo, of Stamford, said there is no reason to prevent law-abiding citizens from owning ghost guns or bump stocks, noting the device and weapons are used for competition, hunting and self-defense.

The daylong public hearing offered little guidance for lawmakers. Between remarks offered in person and the hundreds of pieces of written testimony submitted to the committee, there was little consensus.

National polls have shown voters want more gun control and easily support banning bump stocks and ghost guns, especially considering the 2017 Las Vegas msss shooting in which 58 concert goers were killed and 851 were injured.

Ghost guns have also raised eyebrows. The guns can be purchased in parts without a background check and are relatively easy to assemble. They do not contain serial numbers that allow law enforcement to track weapons.

So far, five states have banned bump stocks: California, Massachusetts, New Jersey , Washington and Florida. Maryland has passed a ban in the House and it’s under consideration in the Senate. President Donald Trump recently ordered the Justice Department to issue regulations banning bump stocks.

Action demanded

State Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said bump stocks and ghost guns are not needed.

“Clearly these sites are meant to exploit loopholes in gun control regulation,” Martin said, referring to ghost gun websites.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the state must take action, considering the inability to pass gun controls in Washington, D.C.

“We cannot sit back while Congress continues to capitulate to the demands of the NRA over the demands of the American people,” Malloy told lawmakers. “Let us do what Congress cannot and will not do — let us work together to close dangerous loopholes and ban bump stocks in Connecticut.”

But Scott Wilson, president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, said the bills will accomplish little other than trample on legal gun rights.

Alan Blaschik, of East Haddam, said Connecticut has enough gun laws.

“There are already laws in Connecticut that address the ‘AR’-type rifles,” Blaschik said, referring to a ban on assault weapons.

‘A little shocking’

Melissa Kane, a Westport selectwoman, told the committee about a recent lockdown at Staples High School caused by a student who threatened a mass shooting. Kane urged the committee to ban bump stocks and ghost guns.

“As a parent of a child at Staples, there were many emotions, not the least of which is surprise,” Kane said. “To think this is happening right here is a little shocking.”

Lilly Kane, Melissa Kane’s 15-year-old daughter and a Staples student, said she needs to feel safe at school.

“After having to shelter in place in my school, I can tell you these bills are not about politics,” Lilly Kane said. “It’s about the chance for my class to be able to live through high school.”

Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, a Democrat running for governor, said bump stocks and ghost guns must be banned. He said there “is simply no reason for any person outside of the military or law enforcement to possess a weapon of war.”

Wilson said the proposed laws will not help reduce violence.

“This committee is seeking to pass feel-good legislation by banning an object that is not even needed to bump-fire a gun,” Wilson said. “The action can be accomplished with the use of belt loops, shoestrings, rubber bands or the devices themselves can be made with wood, sheet metal or plastic.”

Rick Bowmer / Associated Press A device called a “bump stock” is attached to a semi-automatic rifle at the Gun Vault store and shooting range in South Jordan, Utah. Several bills before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee seek to ban bump stocks.