New regulations aim to curb the rise of untraceable firearms linked to violent crimes

The Biden administration has introduced a new federal rule aimed at addressing the growing issue of “ghost guns”—untraceable firearms without serial numbers. These weapons, often assembled from parts, have increasingly appeared at crime scenes across the United States, sparking concerns among law enforcement officials.

According to the White House and Justice Department, the new rule would require ghost guns and their critical components, such as lower receivers, to bear serial numbers. Additionally, federally licensed gun dealers would need to conduct background checks on all sales, including those of ghost guns, whether they are assembled from kits, individual parts, or even 3D-printed components.

Currently, unfinished firearm components like “80-percent receivers” can be legally purchased online without serial numbers or a licence. This loophole has become a key factor in the proliferation of ghost guns, with these components often being assembled into functional firearms without official oversight. Under the new regulation, these unfinished parts would now fall under stricter licensing requirements.

Despite the administration’s efforts, the rule is expected to face significant pushback from gun advocacy groups. The Gun Owners of America has already pledged legal action against the new regulations, arguing that they violate federal laws and infringe on Second Amendment rights.

Ghost guns first drew national attention in 2013 after a high-profile shooting at Santa Monica College, in which the shooter had assembled an AR-15 following a failed background check. Since then, these untraceable firearms have become more common at crime scenes and during undercover law enforcement operations. Between 2016 and 2020, nearly 24,000 ghost guns were reported to the government as recovered at crime scenes.

The new rule will go into effect 120 days after its official publication in the Federal Register, though its implementation will likely spark legal battles. This comes after more than two years of efforts, with the administration first proposing stricter ghost gun regulations in April 2021.

The new initiative marks a critical step as officials struggle to counter the rising threat of ghost guns in the American criminal underworld while addressing gaps in existing firearm laws.