Sleepy Joe Wants Ghost Guns Regulated

Under pressure from his supporters, President Joe Biden will likely announce new regulations to control the spread of ghost guns. The new regulations on unregulated guns built from kits, or ghost firearms, aims to close a gap in the government’s ability to track these weapons.

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Biden Expected To Issue Regulations On Ghost Guns

Pressed on details about the proposed new gun regulations, the White House declined to comment. However, three sources familiar with the matter disclosed the White House’s intention to issue new gun control laws. 

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for a crackdown on ghost firearms following a Bronx shooting last Friday.

As tradition dictated, the New York Senator blamed Republicans for obstructing his efforts at gun control legislation. He also pressed Biden to step up to the plate.

He said the administration should “go all after ghost guns, by putting out regulations that will stop them. The federal government has the ability through regulation to stop these ghost guns,” Schumer added.  

New ATF Nominee

In addition, Biden will also likely name a new nominee for the position of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives director.

The president will name Steve Dettelbach, a former Ohio US attorney as early as Monday. The previous nominee David Chipman withdrew from consideration after facing opposition from senators.  

Both the new gun control law and the new ATF nominee come after another surge of gun-related violence in the country. The law regulating ghost weapons follows a 2021 directive.

The ATF proposed last May to classify building blocks that serve as components for ghost firearms. Since May 2021, the rules covering ghost guns remained in the federal regulation process hell. 

New Regulations For Ghost Guns

The ATF rule addresses a key problem in tracking and regulating ghost guns. The bureau does not classify as firearms certain elements used to assemble the firearm.

As a result, users can easily purchase these frames and receivers online. The new rules will also likely require parts manufacturers to secure a license before selling ghost gun parts.

Companies will also need to perform background checks on buyers of kits. In addition, the Justice Department will also launch a national ghost gun enforcement initiative.  

Recent shootings often reported the involvement of ghost weapons, which often remain unregistered and untraceable. Recently, a Maryland high school was the site of a shooting using types of weapons.

Given the difficulty in tracking down the weapon, there are no official numbers listing the number of ghost guns in circulation.

Last week, Maryland joined 11 states in banning or limiting the purchase or use of ghost firearms. Maryland joins Washington DC, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. 

Watch the CBS Philly news video reporting that President Joe Biden is expected to announce new gun regulation, eyes new ATF nominee: