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Ghost Guns

National Issue

Ghost Guns

Homemade guns, also known as “ghost guns,” are virtually untraceable, deadly weapons — and they have already been used in school shootings. That’s why we urge you to join us in supporting new regulations to ensure ghost guns are kept out of the hands of criminals and those who would harm themselves or others.

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What Are Ghost Guns?

Ghost guns refer to homemade firearms that are created by assembling pieces, sold together in a kit or separately, to create a fully functioning firearm. Downloadable kits can even be bought online and can be made using 3-D printers.

Sold without background checks and serial numbers — unlike firearms sold by licensed manufacturers or importers — they’re almost impossible to trace. Ghost guns are especially dangerous because they are completely accessible to people who are legally prohibited from purchasing firearms, including minors.

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Are Ghost Guns Used in School Shootings?

Ghost guns have already been used in school shootings. In Santa Clarita, California, a 16-year-old brought a ghost gun to school. He used it to kill two of his classmates and injure three others before taking his own life.

One of the survivors of that tragic shooting is Mia. “On November 14, 2019, a student walked into Saugus High School, with a gun and shot five students — including me,” Mia shared. “I survived, but my best friend, as well as another classmate, didn’t.” Watch her story about surviving this horrific school shooting and see how she is rebuilding her life.

How Can We Stop Ghost Guns?

The Department of Justice is taking a strong step forward to stop the proliferation of ghost guns and prevent them from killing more people. There is an administrative rule that protects youth from gun violence by establishing measures to regulate ghost guns. They would become regulated like all other firearms under the jurisdiction of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).

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