WASHINGTON — A sweeping Republican tax and spending bill, backed by former President Donald Trump, is sparking controversy not just for its massive cuts—but for what’s quietly been added in: provisions that would loosen federal regulations on gun silencers and certain rifles and shotguns.

The inclusion marks a major win for gun rights advocates and the firearms industry, but it’s drawing fierce pushback from Democrats and gun safety groups who say it could make it harder to stop mass shooters.

A Gun Store Owner’s Wish List Becomes Lawmakers’ Language

The gun-related measure was first pushed by Rep. Andrew Clyde, a Georgia Republican, gun store owner, and vocal Second Amendment defender. Clyde had initially opposed the broader tax package—until this provision was included. He proudly claimed credit on the House floor, saying, “Who asked for it? I asked.”

The House version of the bill would remove silencers—also known as suppressors—from the National Firearms Act, a law dating back to the 1930s that was designed to curb organized crime. The change would eliminate a $200 tax and the additional background checks required to purchase them.

When the bill moved to the Senate, the provision stayed—and expanded. Republicans added language to deregulate short-barreled rifles and shotguns as well, firearms that have long been subject to stricter controls due to their concealability and potential use in close-range attacks.

Republicans Say It’s About Rights and Hearing Protection

Supporters argue the move is about restoring constitutional rights and helping lawful gun owners. “Burdensome regulations and unconstitutional taxes shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting American gun owners’ hearing,” said Clyde, who often wears an assault rifle–shaped pin on his lapel.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who helped negotiate bipartisan gun legislation just three years ago, is now embracing the rollback. “I’m glad the Senate is joining the House to stand up for the Second Amendment and our Constitution,” he said, echoing Trump’s praise of the bill as “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

Industry leaders back the changes, too. Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation says silencers are primarily used by hunters and sport shooters. “It’s about protecting hearing,” Keane said. “Use in violent crime is extremely rare.”

Democrats Push Back: “Police Don’t Want Silencers on the Streets”

Democrats are sounding alarms, especially in the wake of recent shootings. The silencer provision was unveiled just days after two Minnesota state legislators were shot in separate incidents. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the timing “tone-deaf and dangerous.”

“Parents don’t want silencers on their streets. Police don’t want silencers on their streets,” Schumer said.

Critics argue that loosening regulations on silencers and short-barreled guns could make it easier for mass shooters to go undetected—and harder for law enforcement and bystanders to respond in time. “There’s a reason silencers have been regulated for nearly a century,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democrat and former gun control activist, slammed the provision as a handout to the gun industry. “This bill would help gun manufacturers make more money off the death of children and our people,” he said.

A Sharp Shift From Bipartisan Gun Reform Just Three Years Ago

The GOP’s push to roll back gun regulations is a stark reversal from just three years ago, when a bipartisan gun safety bill was passed following the Uvalde school shooting. That legislation enhanced background checks for buyers under 21 and aimed to keep firearms away from dangerous individuals—earning rare praise from both parties.

Now, with Republicans in control of Congress and looking to pack their legislative wishlist into a single fast-moving package, the tide has turned.

Democrats are currently pressing the Senate parliamentarian to strip out the gun provisions during procedural review, arguing they’re unrelated to budget matters. But with pressure mounting to pass the bill before July 4, and Trump’s enthusiastic backing, the window to stop it may be narrowing.

“We’re going to fight this at every level,” Schumer said. “This isn’t about tax reform. It’s about making America less safe.”

Source: AP News – GOP tax bill would ease regulations on gun silencers and some rifles and shotguns

The post Republicans Push to Deregulate Silencers and Short-Barrel Guns in Tax Package appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

WAYNE, Mich. (AP) — A quiet Sunday morning turned into a harrowing brush with tragedy when a gunman opened fire outside a Michigan church filled with families, only to be stopped by a combination of quick thinking and armed security.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, a city of 17,000 about 25 miles west of Detroit. Around 150 worshippers were inside attending the church’s weekly Sunday service when they noticed a man driving erratically outside.

Moments later, the man—described by police as a 31-year-old white male wearing a tactical vest—stepped out of his vehicle armed with a rifle and a handgun and opened fire. One person was shot in the leg. But before the gunman could get any closer to the building, a churchgoer in a pickup truck ran him over, and security staff immediately returned fire, killing the shooter on the spot.

“A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly,” said Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong. “At least two staff members shot the gunman, causing the fatal wounds.”

No one else inside the church was harmed, and the individual wounded in the leg is expected to make a full recovery.

A Community Church, a Fast Response

CrossPointe Community Church is an evangelical congregation that holds weekly services, youth programs, and family outreach. Like many houses of worship across the U.S., it had taken steps in recent years to bolster security—an unfortunate reflection of a country where church shootings, though still rare, have become part of the national anxiety.

Chief Strong credited the church’s preparedness for saving lives.

“We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting,” he said.

The name of the man who drove his truck into the shooter has not been released, but his actions—and those of the security staff—are being hailed as heroic.

Suspect’s Motive Unclear, Mental Health Crisis Suspected

Police said the suspect had no known ties to the church, and there is no indication so far that he knew anyone inside. The motive remains a mystery, but Chief Strong suggested that the shooter may have been in the midst of a mental health crisis.

“This appears to be an isolated act of violence,” Strong said. “There’s no evidence at this time of a broader threat.”

Authorities have not said whether the man had a history of mental illness or prior arrests. His name has not yet been released.

Worshipper Recounts the Chaos

Inside the sanctuary, the mood went from serene to frantic in an instant. Wendy Bodin, who was attending the service, recalled hearing a loud “boom” from outside. She initially thought it might have been a car accident—until another churchgoer yelled for someone to call 911.

“I looked outside and saw a man lying on the grass,” Bodin told WXYZ-TV. “Another lady pointed and said, ‘Oh my, call 911!’”

The church immediately went into lockdown as staff secured the building and worshippers waited anxiously for word that the threat had passed.

Federal Authorities Join Investigation

By Sunday afternoon, the FBI had joined the investigation, offering federal support as local law enforcement tried to determine what prompted the shooting. Deputy Chief Finley Carter III said it was still too early to identify a motive, and the FBI’s leadership team was assisting on-site.

The Associated Press attempted to contact church officials for comment, but calls and messages were not returned by Sunday evening.

A Broader Concern

This incident comes amid rising concern about the intersections of gun violence, mental health, and soft-target security in the United States. Faith communities, often seen as sanctuaries of peace, have increasingly felt compelled to hire armed security and develop emergency plans.

From the 2017 Sutherland Springs massacre in Texas to the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, religious spaces have periodically become targets—often with devastating consequences.

Though the motives behind Sunday’s shooting remain unclear, many in Wayne are left shaken but grateful that swift action prevented another tragedy.

Key Points Recap:

• Gunman in tactical gear opened fire outside CrossPointe Community Church during Sunday service.
• One person was shot; a parishioner ran the gunman over with a pickup truck, and church security fatally shot him.
• Police believe the suspect, a 31-year-old white male, was experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Around 150 worshippers were inside; no other injuries reported.
• FBI and local police are investigating; the church had trained security in place.
• Incident highlights growing need for security planning in faith-based communities.

Source: AP News – Police say a man opened fire outside a church before staff fatally shot him, averting mass shooting

The post Worshipper Hits Gunman With Truck, Church Staff Kills Attacker Outside Michigan Service appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.