WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday released a statement on the Department of Justice’s new rule dismantling a decades-old policy of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that blocked violent offenders from regaining access to firearms.

"With this rule, Trump is taking yet another step to hand the gun lobby exactly what it wants—a corrupt pay-to-play scheme where he and his Attorney General alone decide who gets their gun rights back. No impartial experts, no real process, just political favors and backroom deals. If you’re wealthy or well-connected, it doesn’t matter if you’re a domestic abuser or if there’s an active restraining order against you—you’ll get a pass. This is a shameful policy that makes a mockery of Congress, puts guns back in the hands of dangerous people, and gives the gun industry millions of new clients as a thank you for backing Trump. Make no mistake—this isn’t about rights or public safety, it’s about boosting gun sales and rewarding Trump’s donors while our communities pay the price."

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