Ghost guns, often untraceable and made at home, are becoming a growing concern in the U.S. as regulations tighten
Philadelphia: A person of interest has been linked to the tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Police discovered a ghost gun, made with a 3D printer, on the suspect. This individual now faces serious charges in Pennsylvania, including weapons offenses and forgery.
Ghost guns are becoming more common, especially in violent incidents. These firearms can be made at home or bought as kits online, and they lack serial numbers, making them hard to trace. It’s a growing issue that has caught the attention of lawmakers and law enforcement.
So, what exactly is a ghost gun? It’s basically a firearm that starts as an incomplete frame or receiver. With a few additional parts, it can be assembled into a working gun. The name comes from their ability to evade detection by authorities.
Before 2022, these kits could be sold without any serial numbers, and buyers didn’t need to pass background checks. This has changed, but the legal landscape is still murky. 3D printing has also made it easier for people to create fully functional guns at home.
Ghost guns have been around since the 1990s, but their use in high-profile shootings has surged in recent years. California has seen several tragic incidents linked to these weapons, prompting lawsuits against kit manufacturers and bans on their sale.
Some notable cases include a mass shooting in Santa Monica and a school shooting in Santa Clarita, where ghost guns were used. These incidents have raised awareness about the dangers of ghost guns, leading to increased police recovery efforts.
In 2022, authorities seized over 25,000 ghost guns, a significant jump from just a few years earlier. While it’s still legal to buy and build ghost guns federally, the Biden administration has tightened regulations. New rules require serial numbers on certain parts and background checks for buyers.
However, this move has faced pushback from gun rights advocates and manufacturers, leading to legal challenges. The ongoing case, Garland v VanDerStok, is currently before the Supreme Court, with arguments suggesting the justices may support the new regulations.