PRESS RELEASE

March 26, 2025 |SCOTUS ruling to uphold Ghost Guns Regulation

Boston, MA – Stop Handgun Violence commends the Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) decision today to uphold regulations concerning ghost guns. In a 7-2 ruling, the justices reversed a lower court’s finding that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) had overstepped its authority with the 2022 rule aimed at regulating parts and kits used to create ghost guns.

Ghost guns are firearms that lack serial numbers and cannot be traced, allowing them to be easily assembled from components purchased without a background check. The number of ghost guns seized by federal law enforcement has significantly increased in recent years. For instance, the Boston Police Department reported a staggering 280% increase in untraceable ghost guns recovered from crime scenes between 2019 and 2021.

“Due to their easy assembly from kits and parts, along with their untraceable nature, ghost guns are increasingly being used by individuals who are legally barred from owning firearms, including criminals, minors, and those with felony records. Regulations on ghost guns will help to reduce gun violence affecting young people and vulnerable communities.”

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