In May 2021, the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a proposed rule to curb the proliferation of ghost guns-privately made firearms that are increasingly being recovered at crime scenes across the United States. Ghost guns generally do not have a serial number placed on the frame or receiver of the firearm. As a result, law enforcement faces obstacles when trying to determine where, by whom, or when these deadly ghost guns were manufactured, and to whom they were sold or otherwise disposed.
Yesterday, following a thorough and extensive public comment period, the Department announced the final rule. We commend our law enforcement partners at ATF for this important, life-saving new rule. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York will use every tool at its disposal-both criminal and civil-to eliminate the scourge of illegal guns across New York City and across the country.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
