The proliferation of illegal conversion devices, such as Glock switches and auto sears, has allowed people to transform legal semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic guns, contributing to a surge in gun violence across the US. These devices, which can be made with a 3D printer or ordered online for less than $30, enable guns to fire at a rate of 800 or more bullets per minute. The ATF reported a 570% increase in the number of conversion devices collected by police departments between 2017 and 2021. While federal law considers these devices illegal machine guns, many states lack specific laws against them, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement.
A group of armed suspects opened fire on a crowd in Chicago, killing a 14-year-old boy and wounding three others. The suspects, including at least one possibly 16, used makeshift machine guns and illegal attachments that allowed the weapons to hold expanded magazines with up to 50 rounds. One of the possible gunmen, a 16-year-old boy, opened fire on cops when they responded to the scene and was taken into custody. The motive for the shooting is unknown.
Punjab police recovered a rifle, live cartridges, a sword, and scores of registration number plates from an abandoned SUV reportedly belonging to Amritpal Singh, the chief of pro-Khalistan outfit 'Waris Punjab De'. Amritpal Singh is on the run and moves around with armed men. The police have arrested 78 people, including his financier and father. A fresh FIR has been filed against him and his associates in connection with possession of illegal weapons.
