The availability of illegally modified firearms, known as homemade machine guns, is escalating the rate of gun violence across the United States. An example of such violence is the tragic story of 11-year-old Domonic Davis from Cincinnati, who was killed by gunfire from a passing car that had been illegally converted to shoot like a machine gun.
Domonic, along with four other children and a woman, were victims of a November shooting that remains under investigation. Domonic’s father, Issac Davis, expressed his shock and grief over the incident.
Federal investigators believe the rapid discharge of 22 shots in this case was enabled by a conversion device that transformed the semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic firearm. This problem is widespread, with instances of converted weapons used in shootings nationwide, including mass shootings at a Sweet Sixteen party in Alabama and a bar district in Sacramento, California. The ATF has reported a 570% increase in the collection of such conversion devices from 2017 to 2021.
Conversion devices are made with 3D printers in just 35 minutes or ordered online for under $30. These pieces of metal or plastic modify the internal mechanisms of a firearm, allowing for continuous fire until the ammunition is depleted or the trigger is released. The simplicity and speed of equipping a gun with these devices underscore the severity of the issue.
In Minneapolis, the arrest of an individual selling conversion devices from Russia and Taiwan or manufacturing them himself has seen a decline in their usage. However, the impact on communities remains profound. Unlike federal regulations, many states have no specific laws against conversion devices, with only 15 states having laws against automatic-fire weapons. Indiana, for instance, had to revise its laws to address this problem.
One of the challenges for law enforcement is identifying these devices, which are often discreet and unrecognizable to those without training. Authorities are educating police departments to better detect these dangerous modifications.
The online glorification of these conversion devices is also alarming. Issac Davis is looking to combat gun violence and honor his son Domonic’s memory through a foundation called For Every Eleven.
FAQ about Illegal Homemade Machine Guns and Gun Violence
Q: What are homemade machine guns?
A: Homemade machine guns refer to firearms that have been illegally modified with conversion devices to mimic the automatic fire of machine guns.
Q: How are firearms converted to automatic weapons?
A: Firearms are converted using devices that alter the gun’s mechanical function to allow continuous firing as long as the trigger is held down, rather than requiring a pull of the trigger for each shot.
Q: Are these conversion devices legal?
A: No, these devices are considered illegal under federal law because they convert semi-automatic firearms into illegal machine guns.
Q: How easy is it to obtain a conversion device?
A: Conversion devices can be made using a 3D printer in about 35 minutes or ordered online from overseas for less than $30.
Q: What is law enforcement’s response to this issue?
A: Law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, are stepping up efforts to train officers to recognize and locate conversion devices, as well as pushing for more stringent laws at the state level.
Conclusion
The proliferation of illegal homemade machine guns is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding gun violence in America. These easily obtained and installed conversion devices not only increase the lethal capability of firearms but also compound the challenges faced by law enforcement and communities affected by gun violence. Federal agencies, like the ATF, and law enforcement at all levels are intensifying their efforts to combat the spread of such devices, while state governments are being prompted to evaluate and amend their legislation to better tackle this alarming trend. The tragic loss of lives, including that of young Domonic Davis, further emphasizes the need for collective action against the illegal modification of firearms and broader measures to address gun violence in the United States.