Giffords Applauds New Legislation to Ban Machines Used to Build Dangerous, Untraceable, Unlicensed Weapons
Bill is part of a growing push in Congress to confront the threat ghost guns pose
July 2, 2020 — Giffords, the gun violence prevention group started by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, welcomes the new bill introduced by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) aimed at stopping the spread of machines used to build ghost guns. The Stop Home Manufacture of Ghost Guns Act bans milling machines specifically designed to convert unfinished frames and receivers into fully-functional, untraceable weapons. This legislation complements the Untraceable Firearms Act, sponsored by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), which prohibits the manufacture and sale of firearms that do not have serial numbers.
Ghost guns, also known as DIY guns, can be built at home without a manufacturer’s license. Readily available online, ghost gun kits include an unfinished version of the gun component that holds the firing mechanism, called a receiver or a frame, which can be easily completed using simple tools available at any hardware store. Programmable milling machines that are specially designed to turn 80% frames and receivers into functioning firearms make the process even easier, allowing for mass completion of operational weapons. The Stop Home Manufacture of Ghost Guns Act would prohibit anyone who is not a licensed firearms manufacturer from having such a machine.
Adzi Vokhiwa, Giffords Federal Affairs Director:
“People prohibited from possessing firearms frequently turn to ghost guns when they want a lethal weapon. We must stop the proliferation of these easy to make, untraceable guns that can be obtained with no background check. Clamping down on the milling machines that make it virtually effortless to create an arsenal of untraceable weapons from a basement or garage is a good place to start. Rep. Raskin’s bill will unquestionably help protect Americans from gun violence. We urge Congress to act on it quickly.”
In some areas of California, as many as 40% of crime guns recovered by ATF agents are ghost guns. Criminals have also used ghost guns with devastating consequences recently, including high-profile tragedies in California and Washington and the murder of two California law enforcement officers by a member of the “Boogaloo” movement. Giffords recently launched an initiative with several resources exploring the dangers of ghost guns.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: