Biden tightens some gun controls, says much more needed

WASHINGTON (AP) — In President Joe Biden’s first notable gun control measures, he has announced executive actions aimed at addressing what the White House calls a “gun violence public health epidemic.

In his actions announced Thursday, Biden is tightening regulations for “ghost guns” — homemade firearms that usually are assembled from parts without serial numbers — and tightening regulations on pistol-stabilizing braces, like the one used by the Boulder, Colorado, shooter in a rampage last month that left 10 dead.

Gun-control advocates praised the actions but said much more must be done in Congress — where chances are much dimmer.

Here are some key takeaways from Biden’s speech:

• The Justice Department, within 30 days, will issue a proposed rule to help stop the proliferation of “ghost guns.”
• The Justice Department, within 60 days, will issue a proposed rule to make clear when a device marketed as a stabilizing brace effectively turns a pistol into a short-barreled rifle subject to the requirements of the National Firearms Act.
• The Justice Department, within 60 days, will publish model “red flag” legislation for states.
• The Administration is investing in evidence-based community violence interventions.
• The Justice Department will issue an annual report on firearms trafficking.
• The President will nominate David Chipman to serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.