Philadelphia Sues Ghost Gun Manufacturers After Mass Shooting Tragedy
The City of Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against two ghost gun manufacturers in the wake of a recent mass shooting that left five people dead. Police have reported that the accused shooter, Kimbrady Carriker, was armed with two ghost guns during the attack. The lawsuit targets Nevada-based company Polymer80 and Pennsylvania-based company JSD Supply, seeking an injunction to prevent the companies from selling their products to customers within the city.
Ghost guns are firearms that are assembled using different parts, often without serial numbers. These guns are designed to be difficult or impossible for law enforcement to trace. The increase in the availability and use of ghost guns has raised concerns among local communities and law enforcement agencies. Philadelphia’s lawsuit aims to hold the manufacturers accountable for their role in supplying these firearms and to address the public safety risks associated with their sale.
Ceasefire, a local advocacy group, has welcomed the lawsuit, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations surrounding ghost guns. The organization’s executive director, Adam Garber, stated, Gun manufacturers are ignoring public safety laws with deadly consequences… the court can save the next life by finding these companies liable. Ceasefire is calling for ghost gun kits to be treated like any other firearm, requiring background checks and traceable serial numbers to reduce the risk of illegal distribution and use.
Law enforcement agencies have witnessed a significant rise in the seizure of ghost guns in the Philadelphia region. In 2018, Philadelphia police recovered 12 ghost guns, a number that surged to 575 last year. Authorities have expressed concern over the inability to trace these firearms back to their purchasers and identify the sources responsible for illegally arming the streets.
Manufacturing ghost guns has become increasingly accessible, with kits readily available for purchase online. These kits typically include all the necessary components and instructions for assembly. By drilling holes into the firearm and milling rail blocks, individuals can quickly complete the assembly process. The remaining parts, such as slides and barrels, can be obtained online or from gun shops with relative ease.
To address the growing threat posed by ghost guns, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) implemented a rule change, classifying unfinished guns and kits in the same category as finished firearms. This requires the inclusion of serial numbers on these components. However, with the popularity and availability of ghost guns on the rise, there is a pressing need for further action to prevent their proliferation.
The ongoing lawsuit filed by Philadelphia is an important step towards holding ghost gun manufacturers accountable and curbing the illegal distribution of these firearms. The city’s efforts align with broader calls for stricter regulations and improved traceability of ghost guns to enhance public safety and prevent tragic incidents like the recent mass shooting. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of this case could send a strong message to gun manufacturers about their responsibility to prioritize public safety over profit.
