Supreme Court Upholds Crucial Regulations on Ghost Guns

On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a rule established during the Biden administration that regulates ghost guns, marking a notable victory for advocates of public safety. The court’s decision, which passed with a 7-2 majority, concluded that ghost guns fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Background of the Case

The case, known as Bondi v. Vanderstock, arose from enforcement measures imposed in 2022. These measures included requirements for manufacturers and retailers of ghost gun parts to obtain licenses, provide serial numbers on components, and conduct background checks for buyers. Opposition from the gun industry, including a lawsuit claiming that ghost guns did not meet the firearm definition established by the Gun Control Act of 1968, led to earlier judicial support for the plaintiffs from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Majority Ruling Insights

Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote for the majority, acknowledged that while some ghost gun kits might not technically meet the legal definition of firearms, others readily contain all necessary components for constructing a complete pistol. He emphasized that such kits, marketed with phrases like “Buy Build Shoot,” clearly serve a purpose for weaponization.

Responses to the Ruling

The ruling received commendations from various gun control advocates. David Pucino, legal director at the Giffords Law Center, described it as a pivotal move against the gun industry’s evasion of prudent regulations. He remarked, “Ghost guns are the gun industry’s way of skirting commonsense gun laws and arming dangerous people without background checks.”

Positive Impact on Public Safety

Organizations such as Everytown for Gun Safety also lauded the decision, highlighting its positive implications for community safety. Executive Director Eric Tirschwell stated, “We applaud the Supreme Court for doing the right thing by upholding a lawful and critical rule that protects public safety.” Early statistics indicate a decrease in ghost gun recoveries at crime scenes since the implementation of the ATF regulations.

Personal Accounts Highlighting the Issue

Denise Wieck, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, shared a personal story of loss and resilience. Her son, Guy, was severely injured by a ghost gun, leading her to become an advocate for stricter regulations. She expressed relief at the ruling, stating, “We are deeply relieved by today’s ruling, which will help ensure that a tragedy like ours never happens again.”

Political Reactions

Lawmakers have echoed these sentiments, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarking on the dangers that ghost guns represent in communities. He emphasized the importance of the court’s decision, remarking, “Today, seven members of the Supreme Court followed the law and did not capitulate to special interests like the NRA.” Schumer confirmed the continued legislative efforts to address the issue of ghost guns decisively.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling is a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate around gun control in the United States, particularly regarding untraceable firearms. With statutory measures now deemed enforceable, advocates for both gun control and public safety remain hopeful for further advancements that will reduce gun violence nationwide.