The murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, using a 3D-printed ‘ghost gun’ has reignited the national debate on gun control and the dangers of untraceable firearms. A suspect is in custody, facing weapons and forgery charges, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in combating the rise of ghost guns.
The US Supreme Court is set to begin its new term amidst a hotly contested presidential election and a docket brimming with potentially polarizing cases. From ghost guns and transgender healthcare to potential election disputes, the court’s decisions could have far-reaching implications.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has taken immediate action to enforce new gun legislation, including bans on ghost guns, stricter licensing requirements, and enhanced red flag laws. This move has sparked controversy, with gun rights advocates challenging the law in court and seeking to overturn it through a referendum.
Alvin Bragg, Manhattan’s District Attorney, has expressed concerns about YouTube’s handling of videos instructing viewers on how to manufacture ghost guns. According to a study conducted by the Tech Transparency Project, YouTube’s algorithm is recommending these videos to underage viewers who watch video game content. Bragg has requested a meeting with YouTube CEO Neal Mohan to discuss the issue and potential solutions.
In a recent statement, YouTube has reiterated its stance against content that provides viewers with instructions on how to create ghost guns or 3D printed firearms. The company’s spokesperson emphasized that they will thoroughly examine any videos flagged by the Manhattan DA’s office that violate their policies. YouTube remains committed to removing such content to ensure a safe and ethical platform for users.
The Supreme Court is set to rule on a case involving ghost guns, which could potentially weaken federal gun laws. Ghost guns are weapons that are sold dismantled and in ready-to-assemble kits, and are not subject to the same background checks and serial number requirements as traditional firearms. The Court has already heard the case twice on its “shadow docket” and ruled against gun manufacturers seeking to weaken federal law, but the outcome of the current ruling is not certain.
The Supreme Court will determine whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) can regulate ‘ghost gun’ kits that can be easily assembled into working firearms without serial numbers or background checks. The Biden administration is challenging a lower court decision that overturned a rule designed to curb the sale of these kits, arguing that they pose a threat to public safety. The rule’s challengers maintain that the ATF’s definition of ‘firearm’ is too broad.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging the Biden administration’s rule regulating gun parts kits as firearms. The rule, known as the “Frame or Receiver” rule, was approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2022. It defines firearm parts kits as “readily convertible to functional weapons” or “functional ‘frames’ or ‘receivers’ of weapons.” The rule was blocked by lower courts, but the justices have kept it in place during the litigation process.
The Supreme Court will now hear the case, Garland v. Vanderstok, on its merits. The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and FPC Action Foundation are challenging the rule. FPC founder and President Brandon Combs said the organization is “looking forward to the end of President Biden’s unconstitutional and abusive rule.”
The Supreme Court has agreed to review the Biden administration’s appeal of a lower court ruling that struck down regulations on ghost guns. Ghost guns are untraceable firearms that have been increasingly used in crimes. The regulation, which took effect in 2022, defines unfinished gun parts as firearms, requiring manufacturers to run background checks and include serial numbers. The Justice Department reports a significant increase in ghost gun seizures at crime scenes since 2021.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Biden administration’s appeal on the regulation of ghost guns, firearms that lack serial numbers and are increasingly found at crime scenes. The regulation, which was struck down by lower courts, aims to expand the definition of a firearm to include unfinished parts and require background checks for their sale.
