Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed a law banning the sale and possession of so-called “ghost guns,” making Illinois the first Midwestern state to destroy unexplored self-propelled firearms.
The Act Introduced by State Representative Kam Buckner and State Senator Jacqueline Collins, makes it illegal for anyone to sell, sell, or transfer a non-serial, unfinished frame or receiver firearm, or unfinished firearm, including was made using a 3D printer.
The term “phantom weapon” refers to a small, homemade weapon without serial numbers or other identification markers, making it difficult for law enforcement to track down the original manufacturer, seller, or owner. One of the most popular ways of making a ghost weapon is to purchase pre-made parts and assemble the gun in their home.
“The raid on unregistered guns is an important step to end the epidemic of armed violence in our state.” Buckner said Chicago’s mayoral candidate is running against incumbent Lori Lightfoot. “Make no mistake, the people who don’t need gun detection are the people who are planning to commit a crime. “This ruthless and targeted hunt cannot continue.”
Pritzker said idle guns are more affordable for teens because they are cheaper and easier to buy than conventional firearms. At least two teens have been charged this month with possession of a gun in Illinois, including one who brought them a gun in high school.
The governor said Illinois state police have only worked on 28 cases of fictional weapons this month.
“People who make, sell, and buy these guns know they’re trying to circumvent common gun laws that give traffickers, abusers and inmates more than firearms,” Pritzker said. . “We see these non-serial tools being built in the basements of people who shouldn’t have access to such dangerous weapons and then using them to commit heinous crimes, and should stop it to protect Illinois. “
Since taking office, President Joe Biden has focused on eliminating dummy weapons, taking steps at the federal level to require serialization, and reclassifying firearms construction kits. In April, the president announced a new rule updating the definitions of “gun” and “frame or receiver” under the gun control law to include kits and components that are easy to assemble as phantom weapons at home. The rule requires commercial gun sellers to tag each frame or receiver with a serial number so that the guns are still available when used for crimes.
“The phantom weapon is a clear and current threat to national security and public safety,” Sean Holihan, the state legislator, said in a statement to Giffords, a nonprofit violence group. “These self-propelled guns are increasingly being used to commit violent crimes and, because they go unnoticed, make it very difficult for law enforcement to initiate and close an investigation.”
Source: Huffpost
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.