Bridgeport police say they’ve recovered several “ghost guns” this year. (Photo: Bridgeport City Facebook)
Manufacturing firearms at home for personal use is perfectly legal, according to the federal government. But not according to Bridgeport, Connecticut, whose mayor recently signed a measure that would levy a $250/day fine to anyone caught in the possession of a “ghost gun.”
Mayor Joseph Ganim has been pushing the city council to pass the ordinance since earlier this year, and his efforts received a boost in August when police recovered several firearms they say were made by Connecticut residents.
“These are ghost guns, they are invisible, and they are a grave concern to the City of #Bridgeport,” Ganim wrote on Facebook at the time.
Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez referenced the incident in a statement following last week’s press conference.
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“We have recovered several ghost guns this year alone,” he said. “It is time to take action and realize the unfortunate truth of how simple it is for people to create these unregistered and lethal firearms. These weapons are being spread across our city and we have to take a stand to prevent gun violence.”
Perez elaborated on the dangers of non-serialized firearms in his statement to reporters.
“This is a piece of metal that you can easily buy in the markets,” he said, holding up an unfinished 80-percent AR lower. “But if you can get this, you can make this,” he continued, waving an AR-style short-barreled rifle. “And this is a real weapon. This weapon will discharge anywhere from 50 to 30 rounds at a time.”
“You can make it fully automatic,” he continued. “And what is unique about this weapon is that there is no markings whatsoever. Usually when you buy something like this, there is a serial number, which can be traced – who made it, who this gun belongs to. This gun belongs to no one. This is a ghost gun. And that’s the scary part.”
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Ganim hopes that the success of this initiative will push the state legislature to enact a similar ban, but it’s unclear how state bans on home-manufactured firearms would square with the long-standing legality of these items on the federal level.
With a new (hopefully) pro-2A justice on the Supreme Court, the firearms community is expecting SCOTUS to finally rule on these kinds of issues. And if the pro-gun side is hopeful, the gun control lobby is equally concerned.
“I worry Kavanaugh will be influential,” Connecticut Senator Christopher S. Murphy told Roll Call earlier this year. “I think there’s a developing expectation that right-wing judges invalidate any and all restrictions on the Second Amendment. I worry he will pull the court to a place where no state or municipality can exercise any oversight on gun laws.”
Dem: “ Connecticut Senator Christopher S. Murphy told Roll Call earlier this year. “I think there’s a developing expectation that right-wing judges invalidate any and all restrictions on the Second Amendment. “
Constitution: “Shall not be infringed “
The Chief is a Liar the presence of a serial number does not automatically mean a gun can be traced to the final owner and in fact it rarely happens! Their Ban is unenforceable! It is also a serious Felony to manufacture or Convert a firearm to Full Auto. They are blowing smoke.
How does the presence of a serial number make a weapon “more lethal” or increase its likelihood of being used in a crime?
Actually, the expense in purchasing equipment, materials and the expertise involved makes “ghost guns” cost prohibitive. After machining operations, all parts also need a “heat treating” process. Otherwise the parts will have surfaces that are too soft or brittle, which may limit their longevity. That peice of aluminum is the smallest part of the deal…..
Were these ghost guns used in the commission of a crime other than not being numbered?
A gun with a serial number stolen by a criminal is essentially a ghost gun that can only be tracked back to someone who might have been the registered owner. These guns are absolutely invisible to law enforcement when trying find a thug unless he is caught in possession of it, but it still only tracks back to the owner on record. Only the law abiding are tied to serial numbers and since most law abiding citizens don’t use their weapons offensively, the serial number will almost never come into play except when buying, selling, transfer or if it’s stolen. I doubt crooks ever register their guns.
But it seens it’s always a democrat who wants criminals held acountable by punishing the folks who follow the rules. Just like fish in a barrel, it’s easier to control the law abiding than to catch a thief. My weapons are solely defensive, numbered or not. Any other use is criminal. And that should be the law of the land which is the 2nd Amendment.
Does the Supremacy Clause not work in Connecticut? The mayor and the police chief need to join Henny Penny and declare that the sky is falling. They’re spreading so much BS that they might be able to fertilize the entire state.
Time for SCOTUS to take up one of these cases before local politicians decide our rights
And the mayor has this authority?
Anyone else sick to death of police chiefs or similar advocating for policy?
Enforce the law and shut up, it’s not your place to tell us what laws we should create to govern ourselves.