MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The sound of automatic firing is becoming too common in some neighborhoods of twin cities.
This causes the ATF to actively seek out people who have devices that convert normal weapons into semi-automatic or automatic weapons. Field agents find more of these devices being used in crime across the state.
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The destruction that was left after firing several rounds is evident in the shots that are affecting northern Minneapolis and Uptown.
“We’ve found them and we find them more often than in the past,” said Jeff Reed, assistant special agent in charge of the St. Louis field office. Paul of the ATF.
Reed says automatic sears are used to transform weapons, so a single press of the trigger automatically fires more than one shot, without reloading manually.
“Some of the devices connect very easily to a firearm or a weapons platform, sometimes in 60 seconds,” Reed said.
A video provided by the ATF shows a converted 9mm Glock pistol and an AR-15 firing automatically.
(credit: ATF)
It is important to note that firearms companies do not manufacture these devices.
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“We have learned that several of these devices can be obtained through the Internet through overseas companies. In addition, these devices are manufactured by some people who have the experience to do so, ”Reed said.
Reed and his team are actively looking for these illegal devices and the people who make them.
“We’ve also had some successful accusations about car ownership in relation to banned people who also own firearms,” Reed said.
Possession of automatic sears can result in a person being held in federal prison for ten years.
The ATF looks to the community to help catch those who are breaking the silence of neighborhoods with automatic shots.
“We are committed, absolutely committed, to breaking this pattern of gun violence that we are experiencing and how we do it by multiplying our efforts with our local, state and federal partners, but the piece we also need is the community,” Reed said. .
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Anonymous tips can be sent to the ATF via the Report It mobile app or by visiting the Report It website. When submitting a board, select ATF-St Paul Field Division as the reporting agency.