Renewed Efforts to Regulate Ghost Guns in Pennsylvania
In the upcoming year, a legislator from Pennsylvania is determined to address the issue of ghost guns. These are firearms made privately and lacking serial numbers, making them challenging for law enforcement to trace. Over recent years, there has been a notable increase in their usage among criminals.
Rising Concerns Over Ghost Gun Crime
Statistics from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) indicate that more ghost guns are surfacing at crime scenes across America than ever before. “Individuals can often utilize 3D printing technology to create the firearm’s frame or receiver while acquiring unregulated components online,” explained Eric DeGree, a special agent with ATF during an interview with CBS News Philadelphia.
Data from law enforcement reveals that approximately 6,000 firearms linked to crimes were seized in Philadelphia during 2022 and 2023; nearly 9% of these firearms were identified as ghost guns. In early 2024 alone, about 5,200 crime-related firearms have been recovered—around 7.5% being ghost guns.
DeGree emphasizes that most individuals who assemble their own firearms do so within legal bounds; however, criminals exploit these weapons precisely because they lack traceability.
Legislative Movement Towards Regulation
According to Everytown for Gun Safety—a prominent advocacy group focused on gun control—15 states have implemented laws regarding ghost guns; New Jersey and Delaware are included in this list. Currently, Pennsylvania lacks any form of regulation on these weapons. State Representative Melissa Shusterman—who hails from Chester County and represents the Democratic Party—is committed to changing this landscape when legislative sessions resume in January 2025.
“My proposed legislation would classify any firearm produced via a 3D printer as an actual firearm under current regulations,” stated Shusterman confidently. “This means that obtaining a manufacturing license will be required.” Last session saw similar proposals falter due to opposition but Shusterman is optimistic about gaining bipartisan support for her renewed efforts.
“I believe we can successfully pass this common-sense measure,” she asserted. “With modern technology introducing untraceable weaponry into our communities through consumer-grade printers, it’s critical we apply traditional regulations uniformly across all types of firearms.”
Federal Measures Addressing Ghost Guns
Within two years past, President Biden’s administration instituted new regulations mandating that ghost guns adhere strictly to the same standards enforced on commercially sold firearms—a policy currently active until further notice by higher courts. The U.S Supreme Court is anticipated to provide its ruling regarding this matter around June next year.
Author Note: Liz Crawford
Liz Crawford returns home as part of CBS News Philadelphia after establishing herself as an engaging storyteller with deep ties within her community while advocating for accountability among those in power.