Supreme Court Upholds Regulation on Ghost Guns

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld in a 7-2 decision the Biden administration's regulation on 'ghost guns,' which are firearm kits that can be assembled at home and lack serial numbers, posing significant traceability challenges. Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority, highlighted the rapid assembly capabilities of kits like 'Buy Build Shoot' and their associated risks to public safety. The ruling mandates these kits include serial numbers and require buyers to undergo background checks, aligning them with other firearms under the 1968 Gun Control Act. This decision is a significant win for gun control advocates, as ghost gun recoveries by police have surged from 1,600 in 2017 to over 27,000 in 2023. While some gun rights groups argued the regulation exceeded federal authority, the court supported the ATF's regulatory actions as consistent with legislation. The ruling is expected to curb the spread of ghost guns, which have been favored by criminals for their untraceability.