[ad_1]
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The sound of automatic gunfire is becoming too common in some areas of Twin Cities.
This has led the ATF to actively seek out people who have devices that turn ordinary weapons into semi-automatic or automatic weapons. Field agents are discovering that more and more of these devices are being used in crimes across the state.
READ MORE: Homicide investigation underway after shooting crashed in north Minneapolis
The destruction left by the multiple shootings is evident in the shootings that plague northern Minneapolis and Uptown.
“We have met them and are seeing them more frequently than in the past,” said Jeff Reed, deputy special agent in charge of the ATF St. Paul field office.
Reed says automatic triggers are used to transform weapons, so a single pull of the trigger automatically fires more than one shot, without manual reloading.
“Some of the devices are very easily attached to a gun or weapons platform, sometimes within 60 seconds,” Reed said.
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 gun manufacturers do not manufacture these devices.
READ MORE: Minnesota House DFL votes to kick Representative John Thompson from caucus
“We have learned that many of these devices can be obtained via the Internet through foreign companies. Plus, these devices are made by people who have the expertise to do it, ”Reed said.
Reed and his team are actively researching these illegal devices and the people who make them.
“We have also had a few successful indictments relating to possession of auto triggers in connection with prohibited persons also possessing firearms,” Reed said.
Possession of automatic triggers can put a person in federal prison for 10 years.
The ATF is turning to the community to help catch those breaking the neighborhood silence with automatic gunfire.
“We are determined, absolutely determined, to disrupt this pattern of gun violence that we experience and how we do it by forcibly scaling up our efforts with our local, state and federal partners, but the part we also need is community. . ”Said Reed.
NO MORE NEWS: “It’s not a freak accident”: 4 people found dead in abandoned SUV in western Wisconsin have been identified
Anonymous advice can be submitted to the ATF through the Report It mobile app or by visiting the Report It website. When submitting a tip, select ATF-St Paul Field Division as the reporting agency.
[ad_2]
Source link