FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 11, 2023 

Washington, D.C. — Today, Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) filed a federal lawsuit in the District of North Dakota, challenging the ATF’s Zero Tolerance policy towards Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). 

Under this new policy, which was put into place by the Biden Administration last year, any errors in recordkeeping by gun dealers would be grounds to immediately initiate license revocation proceedings. This contrasts with previous policy which dictated warnings, corrective action, and then possible license revocation if improvement was not demonstrated.

Joining GOA and GOF in the suit is Morehouse Enterprises in Valley City, North Dakota, which does business as Bridge City Ordnance. The Federal Firearms Licensee is currently facing the revocation of their FFLs over five small record keeping infractions, none of which resulted in someone acquiring a firearm who was not legally permitted to do so. Suspiciously, the ATF conducted the inspection of Bridge City Ordnance which yielded the infractions right after the company joined GOA and GOF in a separate lawsuit challenging the ATF’s Ghost Gun Frame and Receiver Rule last summer. Litigation is ongoing in that case.

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:     

“This zero tolerance policy towards lawful commerce guaranteed by the Second Amendment is just the latest example of this Administration weaponizing federal agencies against their political enemies. It also is just one more compelling piece of evidence to support gun owners’ demands that Congress defund the ATF.”

Sam Paredes, on behalf of the Board for GOF, added:   

“It’s ridiculous that good people trying to make an honest living are facing this assault on their livelihoods simply over inconsequential paperwork errors. GOF is proud to be lending our support in defense of Bridge City Ordnance and all of those small businesses facing devastating consequences if this Administration’s hostility towards firearms is permitted to go unchecked.” 

This lawsuit was first covered by Fox News, read more here. 

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews.  Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center. 

-GOA-