Supreme Court upholds Biden Administration's regulation of ghost guns

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Biden administration regulation that classifies "ghost guns" as firearms, reinforcing a 2022 rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This ruling mandates that firearm part kits, which can be easily assembled into ghost guns, are subject to federal regulations, including having serial numbers and requiring background checks and age verification for purchases.

San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, who introduced a local ordinance to ban ghost guns, expressed her relief at the Supreme Court's decision. She had concerns that a ruling against the Biden administration could jeopardize her city's law. Her ordinance implements stricter measures by further restricting the possession of ghost guns within San Diego.

Von Wilpert highlights the rising issue of ghost guns in criminal activities, noting the police department's efforts to confiscate these weapons from crime scenes. She remarked, "We know the people using them are not the lawful responsible gun owners that nobody is worried about," emphasizing the need for strict oversight in light of their misuse.

In a related effort, the Giffords Law Center is representing San Diego County in a lawsuit against a prominent ghost gun manufacturer. A California Superior Court has already granted a preliminary injunction, which prevents the company from selling machines used to fabricate ghost guns while the legal proceedings continue.

Von Wilpert remains dedicated to tackling the ghost gun crisis, asserting that every action taken is a step toward eliminating firearms from those likely to use them for violence. "As long as we can get a gun out of the hands of somebody who wants to use it to commit a violent crime, we've saved a life," she stated.