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December 10, 2024 | 01:06 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly utilized a ghost gun as his weapon which is manufactured using a 3D printer, according to police reports. This highlights the growing prevalence of ghost guns within the past decade.
Lacking serial numbers and evading traditional tracking mechanisms, the use of ghost guns has raised increasing concerns, especially in light of this recent event.
Let's take a closer look at ghost guns, as cited by The Guardian, Brady, and Everytown.
What is a Ghost Gun?
A ghost gun is an untraceable, unserialized firearm that is purchased as kits, in separate pieces, or even fabricated through 3D printing. Once assembled, it functions just like any other firearm.
The unregulated nature of ghost gun sales stems from their construction using unfinished frames or receivers, which are the core components of the firearm that contain the operating parts of the firing mechanism. While frames and receivers are regulated under federal law, when they are sold as "unfinished," they are not subject to the same rules. This means they can be sold without background checks, serialization requirements, or age restrictions.
The term "ghost gun" comes from its ability to evade detection by law enforcement as it cannot be traced. This characteristic has caused great concern among people, as ghost guns are increasingly being purchased by minors, domestic abusers, and gun traffickers.
Is a Ghost Gun Legal?
The legality of purchasing and building ghost guns within the United States has undergone recent changes. Before 2022, federal law permitted the construction of firearms for personal use, enabling individuals to assemble ghost gun kits at home without the need for background checks or age verification.
However, escalating concerns about ghost guns being used in crimes prompted the Biden administration to take action in 2022.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) introduced a new rule in 2022 that reclassified certain parts of ghost gun kits as firearms under federal law. This rule mandates that companies selling these kits include serial numbers to incomplete frames and receivers and conduct background checks on buyers. Moreover, federally licensed gun dealers are now required to maintain records of such sales.
Despite this new regulation, there has been pushback from kit makers, Second Amendment activists, and legal challenges to the rule, arguing that the ATF overstepped its authority. As a result, while ghost guns are not outright illegal, they are now subject to stricter controls and oversight, similar to traditional firearms.
How Long Have Ghost Guns Been Around?
Ghost guns have existed since the 1990s, but their prevalence has surged dramatically in recent years due to advancements in technology. According to data posted by Brady, law enforcement agencies across the country saw a staggering 1,000% increase in ghost gun recoveries between 2016 and 2021, with more than 19,000 ghost guns seized in 2021 alone.
As the 3D printing technology has become more accessible and affordable, more people have turned to this method for creating ghost guns. As a result, they are bypassing traditional gun laws that require serial numbers and registration.
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