The investigation is spearheaded by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen who launched the effort after being contacted by retailers who hold Federal Firearm Licenses (FFLs) alleging that new regulations allow FedEx and UPS to “track firearm sales with unprecedented specificity.” Retailers report that FedEx and UPS now require FFL holders to create three different shipping accounts — one for firearms, one for firearm parts, and one for all other firearm-related products — in order to comply with “‘requests from applicable law enforcement or other governmental authorities’ even when those requests are ‘inconsistent or contrary to any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order,’” Knudsen’s letters to FedEx and UPS state. “In doing so you — perhaps inadvertently — give federal agencies a workaround to federal law, which has long prevented federal agencies from using gun sales to create gun registries,” the letter notes. “But under these policies, FedEx can provide information at will or upon request to federal agencies — information detailing which Americans are buying what guns.” State attorneys general also say the new shipping agreements between FedEx, UPS and firearm dealers contain a gag clause, informing gun store owners that the agreement is confidential and must be held in “strict confidence by both parties.” A spokesperson for FedEx fold Fox News Digital that their company is aware of the letter and that they are “committed to the lawful and safe movement of regulated items through our network.” “This smells of the ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]. This smells of the Biden administration,” Knudsen told Fox, saying that he believes it is “extremely convenient” that both shipping companies enacted the polices at the same time. Knudsen told the Washington Free Beacon he believes FedEx and UPS are coordinating with the Biden administration to circumvent a ban on the creation of a federal firearm owner database. "This to me looks like another back alley attempt to get around specific legislation and laws so ATF can say, ‘We’re not keeping track; it’s these companies keeping track,’" Knudsen said. "We see this over and over again from this administration: When they can’t pass legislation, they turn around to their buddies in private business and try to get their agenda done that way." State officials are requesting answers to numerous questions surrounding the updated policy, along with a copy of the updated shipping agreement. State attorneys also warned FedEx and UPS, urging they shield themselves from potential liability, as well as immediately cease any warrantless information sharing with federal agencies.Eighteen state attorneys general are seeking detailed explanations from FedEx and UPS about allegations the two delivery companies are secretly working with the Biden administration to catalog firearm and firearm accessory purchases in a way that circumvents warrant laws.
