Handguns could soon be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for the first time in nearly a century. This change is tied to a proposed rule from the Trump administration. About two dozen Democratic attorneys general oppose this idea.
Back in 1927, Congress made it illegal for the USPS to mail concealable firearms. They aimed to reduce crime. Recently, however, the U.S. Justice Department revisited this law. They argue that it violates the Second Amendment, which gives Americans the right to bear arms. They want the USPS to change its regulations, stating that Congress can’t stop the mailing of constitutionally protected firearms.
In April, the USPS proposed a new rule allowing anyone to mail handguns like pistols and revolvers. Currently, they allow mailing of certain firearms, such as long-barreled rifles, but these must be unloaded and securely packed. Similar rules would apply if handguns are allowed. As of now, the USPS is collecting public comments before making final decisions.
Nevada’s attorney general, Aaron Ford, who is also running for governor, believes this change could lead to more gun violence. Nevada faced a tragic mass shooting in 2017, which prompted new laws for background checks on private gun sales. “Our state has suffered enough,” Ford said, criticizing the proposed rule.
If the new rules pass, it would be easier to sell and ship guns within state lines. For interstate mailing, the regulations would be stricter. People could only mail guns to themselves or to a trusted person, ensuring they would open the package themselves. The Justice Department argues that mailing may be the only way for people to travel with firearms for activities like hunting or target shooting.
Ford and other attorneys general worry that this change would make it simpler for those prohibited from owning guns to access them. They argue it could complicate crime investigations and undermine state laws regulating firearms. State laws often include safety courses and background checks to ensure responsible gun ownership.
Moreover, creating an effective tracking system for mailed firearms could burden law enforcement, increasing costs for states. Private companies like UPS and FedEx tightly regulate gun shipments, allowing only licensed shippers to send firearms.
The proposed change has drawn mixed reactions. Gun advocacy groups see it as a win for gun owners, while gun safety organizations warn it could facilitate illegal trafficking. John Commerford of the National Rifle Association praised the proposal, while John Feinblatt from Everytown for Gun Safety called it a potential “gun trafficking pipeline.”
This situation highlights the ongoing debate about gun control in the U.S. As gun violence continues to affect communities, the conversations around firearm regulations remain more crucial than ever. Balancing individual rights with public safety is a challenge that persists in today’s society.
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