US: Tightening regulations to control "ghost guns"

SGGPO 08/09/2023 18:45

According to the AP news agency, with 5 votes in favor and 4 votes against, the US Supreme Court restored the federal government's regulations on controlling "ghost guns", which are increasingly appearing, especially at the scenes of attacks across the country.

Handguns are displayed during a statewide gun buyback event in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Photo: CFP

“Ghost guns” typically do not have serial numbers and, because they are not considered firearms, are sold at retail without a license or background check. They are also known as “80% guns,” meaning they are sold unfinished and the buyer does the final assembly.

"Ghost guns" are widely sold online and have become a popular item for people who are prohibited from legally purchasing guns due to criminal records or being underage.

A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling, saying it took into account public safety, helping law enforcement agencies deal with crime and reduce the number of "ghost guns" flooding the community.

According to the US Department of Justice, in 2021, local law enforcement agencies seized 19,000 "ghost guns" at crime scenes, a more than 10-fold increase in just 5 years.

In the context of the rapid increase in homemade weapons, in 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the US Department of Justice issued new regulations and expanded the definition of firearms.

Accordingly, “ghost guns” are “firearms.” To make it easier for authorities to manage, parts such as the frame of a handgun and the barrel of a rifle must be licensed and have a serial number. Manufacturers must also conduct background checks on gun buyers before selling them, as they do with other commercial guns. This requirement applies to all guns, regardless of how they are made, including “ghost guns” made from individual parts or gun kits or by 3D printing.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds that 70% of Americans support requiring "ghost guns" to have serial numbers and be manufactured by licensed manufacturers.

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