Are Ghost Guns About to Make a Comeback?

Next week, the Supreme Court will tackle a crucial case that could change how ghost guns are sold in the US. Ghost guns are homemade firearms that don't have serial numbers, making them hard to trace. They've been linked to a surge in crimes, including murders and domestic abuse. The Biden administration issued a rule requiring sellers to follow the same laws as other gun dealers, like doing background checks and adding serial numbers. But the Supreme Court will decide if this rule stays or goes. Ghost guns have become a favorite for criminals because they can buy the parts online without a background check. The industry even brags about helping people who can't legally buy guns get their hands on them. In just a few years, the number of ghost guns found at crime scenes jumped from around 1,000 to over 25,000.

The Supreme Court already let the new rules take effect, but now they must decide if they'll stick. Early data shows that the rules have helped reduce the number of ghost guns found at crime scenes. But if the Supreme Court scraps the rules, it could open the floodgates for these dangerous weapons again. Teens are particularly at risk because they can easily order gun-building kits online. Before the rules, teens used these guns in deadly crimes. Police officers have also been targeted with ghost guns.

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