As the Pennsylvania House of Representatives reconvenes this week, lawmakers are turning their attention to one of the most pressing issues in gun safety: 3D-printed “ghost guns.” These untraceable firearms, often assembled from parts purchased online, have become a growing concern for law enforcement, especially following high-profile cases like the alleged use of a ghost gun in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, a leading advocate for stricter gun control measures, is preparing to introduce new legislation that would classify 3D-printed firearms as conventional firearms under Pennsylvania law. This bill would also require owners of 3D printers to be licensed as firearm manufacturers, closing a critical loophole in current regulations.
“Ghost guns pose a unique and dangerous threat to public safety,” said Rep. Shusterman. “These weapons are untraceable, making them a tool for criminals and complicating criminal investigations. It’s time for Pennsylvania to take decisive action to regulate these weapons and ensure that those who manufacture or possess them are held to the same standards as traditional firearm owners.”
The proposal marks Shusterman’s third attempt to pass comprehensive ghost gun legislation. She has already circulated a memo to her colleagues, aiming to gather feedback and fine-tune the bill. “With each session, we are refining this legislation to ensure it works for manufacturers, law enforcement, and the broader public,” Shusterman said.
Recent data from the Pennsylvania State Police shows a troubling increase in ghost gun seizures, with the number doubling in 2023 compared to the previous year. Law enforcement agencies have reported that these firearms are increasingly linked to violent crimes, particularly in urban areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and York.
Adam Garber, executive director of CeaseFirePA, a prominent gun safety advocacy group, echoed Shusterman’s concerns. “Ghost guns are a growing problem in Pennsylvania. They’re being used in a significant number of shootings, and law enforcement is seeing them more frequently. These weapons fall outside the purview of our gun safety laws, and that’s a problem,” Garber said.
Last session, the Pennsylvania House passed a bipartisan bill aimed at banning ghost gun kits, but the legislation stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Garber and other advocates are optimistic that this year’s bill, which includes stricter regulations on 3D-printed firearms, will gain the necessary support to move forward.
The Biden administration recently implemented new federal rules requiring 3D-printed guns to be treated like traditional firearms, including mandatory background checks for gun buyers. However, Garber expressed concern that a future administration could reverse these protections, potentially making ghost guns a preferred weapon for criminals once again.
“These guns are a serious threat to public safety, and we need stronger regulations to ensure they don’t fall into the wrong hands,” Garber concluded. “It’s critical that both state and federal lawmakers continue to act before these weapons become even more widespread.”
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