In a decisive 7-2 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld regulations aimed at curbing the proliferation of untraceable “ghost guns.” These firearms, often assembled at home from kits or parts lacking serial numbers, have become a growing concern for law enforcement due to their frequent use in criminal activity.
The court’s decision reversed a lower court’s ruling that had struck down the regulations issued in 2022. These rules, introduced under the Biden administration, classify ghost gun components as firearms under the 1968 Gun Control Act. This classification requires manufacturers to serialize parts, obtain licenses, and conduct background checks on buyers.
Justice Neil Gorsuch authored the majority opinion, stating that the regulation aligns with the intent of the Gun Control Act, which was enacted during a period of heightened concern over firearm violence. The decision highlighted how advancements in 3D printing and other technologies have made assembling firearms easier, exacerbating public safety risks.
Gun safety advocates lauded the ruling as a critical step in combating the growing use of ghost guns. Eric Tirschwell of Everytown Law called the decision “life-saving,” emphasizing its importance for law enforcement and public safety.
However, the ruling drew criticism from gun rights groups, including the Firearms Policy Coalition and the Second Amendment Foundation, which had challenged the regulation in court. These groups argued that the rule represented government overreach and an unauthorized reinterpretation of existing laws.
Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justice Samuel Alito in dissent, criticized the majority for endorsing what he called the government’s “overreach” in rewriting established law.
This decision adds to the Supreme Court’s complex record on firearm regulations, which has included both expansions of gun rights and support for specific restrictions. Ghost guns remain a contentious issue, particularly as their prevalence continues to challenge law enforcement’s ability to trace weapons and combat crime effectively.
The ruling underscores the court’s recognition of the evolving nature of firearm technology and its implications for public safety, setting a significant precedent for addressing modern challenges in gun control.
