The suspect in the shooting outside a North Austin Target had a history of mental health issues adn frequent run-ins with law enforcement as at least 2012, according to a police statement and court records from travis and Williamson counties.
Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old white man, spent time behind bars in 2016 and 2017 for family violence, driving while intoxicated and violating the terms of his bond or protective order, court records show.“`html
More States Are Letting hunters Shoot From Silencers. Here’s Why.
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Across the U.S., more states are changing their laws to allow hunters to use suppressors, also known as silencers, on their firearms. These devices reduce the noise of a gunshot. But the change isn’t about making hunting quieter for everyone. It’s about what hunters say is a benefit for their hearing and a way to help with recruitment.
what are suppressors and are they legal?
Suppressors are metal tubes that attach to the end of a gun’s barrel. They slow down the expanding gases that create the sound of a gunshot.They don’t eliminate the sound completely – it still sounds like a gunshot, but it’s quieter.
Federally, suppressors are legal to own in many places, but they are heavily regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). People who want to buy one must go through a background check, pay a $200 tax stamp, and wait several months for approval.
Why are more states changing their laws?
Historically, state laws often mirrored the federal regulations. But recently, a growing number of states have begun to remove state-level restrictions on suppressor ownership.As of August 2024, over 30 states have loosened their laws.
The main reason? Hunters. They argue that suppressors protect their hearing. Repeated exposure to gunshots can cause permanent hearing damage. Suppressors can reduce the sound enough to help prevent that.
“it’s a hearing safety issue,” says Evan Heusinkveld, president of the pro-gun rights group Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Hunters spend a lot of time in the field, and they’re exposed to gunfire. Suppressors can make a big difference.”
Some also believe suppressors can help attract new hunters. The noise of a gunshot can be intimidating, especially for beginners. A quieter shooting experience might make it more appealing.
What do opponents say?
Gun control advocates worry that making suppressors more accessible could make it harder for law enforcement to hear gunshots during crimes. They argue this could put officers and the public at risk.
“Suppressors make it more arduous to determine where a gunshot came from, which can delay police response and potentially allow shooters to escape,” says David Chipman, a former ATF agent and current senior policy advisor at Giffords Law Center.
However, supporters of suppressor access point out that suppressors don’t silence guns completely. They still make noise, and experienced law enforcement officers can still locate the source of gunfire.
What’s next?
The trend of states loosening restrictions on suppressors is likely to continue. Pro-gun rights groups are actively lobbying for changes in more states. The debate over suppressors is highly likely to remain a contentious issue, balancing the rights of hunters with concerns about public safety.