The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to uphold a federal rule classifying ghost guns as regulated firearms under the Gun Control Act, rejecting a challenge that argued the ATF had exceeded its statutory authority. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, concluded that ghost gun kits sold with all necessary parts fall within the legal definition of a firearm and are subject to background check requirements.
Gun control advocates hailed the decision as a critical victory that closes a loophole increasingly exploited by criminals. Law enforcement officials said ghost guns had been recovered at crime scenes at a rate increasing 1,000% since 2016 in some major cities.
The ruling was joined by the three liberal justices and two other conservatives. Gun rights groups said they would pursue legislative avenues to overturn the rule in the next Congress.