Gun silencers in the U.S – a terror threat
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Gun silencers could become more widespread in Florida under new legislation to allow the devices on hunters’ weapons on public land. Experts say that silencers will allow terror groups to train without attracting attention.
Silencers, or ‘suppressors’ as they are known to gun enthusiasts, are currently illegal on public land but many veteran hunters say they’re essential when using high-velocity weapons to prevent hearing loss.
However, anti-gun lobbyists claim that in the wrong hands, silencers make guns even more deadly.
The law supporters claim that a silencer was important as hunting with a powerful rifle can lead to hearing loss over time. The use of a silencer also prevents animals from getting spooked.
However the potential relaxing of the law on silencers has caused outrage in groups who campaign against gun violence.
Silencers are already legal in the state of Florida, along with another 38 states, under the National Firearms Act, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and the District of Columbia have banned silencers for individuals.
In applicable states, a gun owner who wants a silencer must apply to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, pay 200 USD and undergo a criminal background check.
In Florida, a gun-owner is able to use a silencer on a weapon ‘for all lawful purposes’. For example, a gun that is kept on private property for self-defense or one that is used in military or law enforcement professions could be legally allowed to have a silencer.
If you have a silencer without the correct paperwork, you are committing a felony. Violent crimes committed using weapons with silencers are punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
A silencer must also be registered with the ATF and be properly stored.
