Ghost Guns

Policy Committee    March 4, 2024

PHILADELPHIA, March 4 – Ghost guns are increasingly being confiscated by law enforcement during criminal investigations, and the House Majority Policy Committee examined the loopholes that allow criminals to purchase these untraceable weapons with no background checks during a hearing at the NOMO Foundation, hosted by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Phila). Ghost guns are privately purchased kits that can be assembled into firearms with no traceable serial number or identifying characteristics. They do not require a background check for purchase, because kits – or firearm parts – are not considered firearms in Pennsylvania. 

• Host: Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia
• Testifiers:
  • William Fritze- Gun Violence Task Force Chief, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office
  • Adam Garber- Executive Director, CeaseFirePA

Media Release + News Coverage

• Ghost guns: Fueling real horror in PA communities, March 4 2024
• NBC 10 Philadelphia, At hearing, state legislators learn ghost gun use growing on Philly streets, March 4, 2024
• MyChesCo, Ghost Gun Controversy: Second Amendment Rights or Criminal Loopholes?, March 5, 2024

Video + Photos

• Click here to view the entire hearing
• Click here to view photos from the hearing