Self-assembled ghost guns have surged in crime use, rising from approximately 1,800 incidents in 2017 to over 19,000 in 2021
The Supreme Court is poised to uphold Biden administration regulations on ghost guns, which require background checks, serial numbers, and sales records for these largely untraceable firearms.
During oral arguments, SCOTUS justices expressed skepticism about claims from gun owners and manufacturers that the government overstepped its authority with these rules.
Ghost guns, typically assembled at home using 3D-printed parts or kits, have surged in crime use, rising from approximately 1,800 incidents in 2017 to over 19,000 in 2021.
Notably, 2021 statistics revealed that nearly 700 homicides or attempted homicides involved ghost guns.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which imposed the 2022 regulation on ghost guns, argues that these firearms pose safety risks and must have the same rules as commercially sold weapons.
Nearly two dozen states and the District of Columbia support the regulations.
A SCOTUS decision on this significant case, which does not directly challenge Second Amendment rights, is expected by June 2024, as justices weigh the definitions of firearms and assembly.