New Federal Regulations on ‘Ghost Guns’ Target School Shootings

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In an effort to combat gun violence, President Joe Biden has introduced new federal regulations aimed at making it more challenging to acquire gun kits and assemble firearms. This initiative comes in response to a troubling pattern observed in recent school shootings, where the attackers utilized “ghost guns.”

What Are Ghost Guns?

So, what exactly are ghost guns? These firearms can be purchased as kits and assembled from individual parts or created using 3D printers, allowing individuals to acquire guns without any trace. This poses a significant risk, particularly for those unable to pass background checks, including minors, as they can be put together in as little as half an hour.

New Regulations

To address these concerns, the new regulations will mandate background checks for anyone purchasing a ghost gun kit, thereby limiting accessibility. Additionally, certain components will now require serial numbers for better tracking. Gun dealers will also be obligated to mark any ghost guns that appear in their shops with serial numbers.

Message from President Biden

In a strong message directed at manufacturers and illegal users, President Biden emphasized that both state and federal prosecutors will pursue charges against those who violate these new laws.

Activist’s Perspective

Teen activist Mia Thompson, who survived a shooting involving a ghost gun, poignantly described the ease of assembling such a weapon: “If you can put together an IKEA dresser, you can build a ghost gun. Unfortunately, it is that easy to get a weapon that has not only changed my life but has done the same thing to thousands of others.” Mia was shot in a school shooting where she lost her best friend.

Statistics on Ghost Guns

According to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the number of privately made firearms recovered from crime scenes increased from 1,750 in 2016 to an alarming 8,712 in 2020. Various incidents in schools across the nation underline this issue, including a shooting in Phoenix, Arizona, and another in Maryland, both involving ghost guns.

Public Health Crisis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized gun violence as a serious public health crisis. However, Biden faces challenges in enacting significant legislation due to the need for broader congressional support. Only nine states and a few cities have initiated regulations on ghost guns, with New York witnessing a 478% rise in ghost gun seizures over three years.

Urgency for Updated Regulations

U.S. Attorney General Mike Johnson highlighted the urgency for updated regulations in an op-ed, stating that “these changes are long overdue.” He noted the dramatic rise in ghost guns recovered by law enforcement, emphasizing that the regulations are part of a broader initiative to safeguard communities from violent crime.

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Summary

President Biden’s new regulations on ghost guns aim to tackle the rising incidence of school shootings involving these untraceable firearms. By instituting background checks and requiring serial numbers, the administration seeks to make gun kits less accessible, addressing a pressing public safety concern. Activists and officials alike stress the need for these changes to protect communities and prevent further tragedies.