The U.S. Supreme Court upheld federal rules regulating “ghost guns” on Wednesday, marking a significant win for gun control groups.
Ghost guns are mail-order kits that allow individuals to assemble untraceable firearms at home. The 7-2 ruling, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, supports the Biden administration’s 2022 rules requiring serial numbers and background checks for ghost gun kits. These guns have become more common at crime scenes, with police reporting a rise from 1,600 cases in 2017 to over 19,000 by 2021. Gorsuch noted that advancements in technology, like 3D printing, have made homemade guns more accessible. While the case didn’t directly address the Second Amendment, it came at a time when the Court’s conservative majority has been stricter on gun laws. In dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas argued that the law doesn’t cover gun parts kits, claiming the government overreached.
