Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09182

I am commenting to urge the ATF not to make these proposed rule changes which would lift regulations that prevent the unregulated sale of firearms at gun shows and prevent firearms from being sold to those with a history of mental illness. As a former educator who has had to guide students through drills and false alarms and who feared (and still does fear) for the lives of their students as well as their own life, it is inexcusable that the US government would consider repealing provisions designed to prevent school shootings and other mass shootings when they should be taking further measures to protect the children of the United States from death caused by gun violence. The number one cause of death in those under 18 in the United States is a bullet. As someone who grew up hunting in a family that owned and used guns regularly, it has been instilled in me the danger of firearms from an early age, as well as the great responsibility one takes on by owning one to prevent its misuse. These provisions exist to prevent those who would use firearms to harm others or who cannot be entrusted with the great responsibility of owning one from obtaining a firearm. It is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens, and right now the US government is failing to protect its citizens, particularly its students and teachers, from those who would utilize firearms to cause mass casualties. I urge the ATF not to go forward with these proposed rule changes, and instead to evaluate how it can further protect its citizens from death carried out using firearms.