Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

New York cracks down on ghost guns, but will new laws be effective in curbing violence?


New York cracks down on ghost guns, but will new laws be effective in curbing violence? (WRGB)
New York cracks down on ghost guns, but will new laws be effective in curbing violence? (WRGB)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

New York State is cracking down on untraceable firearms, specifically ghost guns - weapons that are typically sold as incomplete sets in which the purchaser puts together.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the package of legislation last week with a goal to curb gun violence in the state.

The trio of bills bans the sale and possession of ghost guns and requires gunsmiths to register and serialize firearms along with unfinished frames or receivers.

Legislation S.14A/A.613A (Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act):

Criminalizes the sale of ghost guns and requires gunsmiths to register and serialize firearms and unfinished frames or receivers they assemble

Legislation S.13A/A.2666A (Scott J. Beigel Unfinished Receiver Act):

Prohibits possession and sale of unfinished frames or receivers

Legislation S.7152/A.6522:

Amends definition of 'disguised gun' to include weapons designed to appear as toys

New York lawmakers say that the state now has the nation’s toughest restrictions on ghost guns signed into law.

Prior to this package of bills, Colonie Police Chief Michael Woods said ghost guns fell under a loophole in New York State law.

“There's no background or any kind of requirement for background or ID verification to buy these components to put together, manufacture the gun,” said Woods.

Retired Troy Police Captain John Cooney said by serializing the components, it’ll help law enforcement track back a firearm’s origin.

MORE: Troy Police investigate overnight shooting, recover "ghost gun"

CBS6’S BRIANA SUPARDI: Do you think that by then the crime has already been committed if they’re trying to trace back the gun linked to a crime?

JOHN COONEY: Understandable that the opinion may be ‘well, the guns were out there, the crimes were committed’ but we have to take it one step back. We have to take it to the step of how the offenders obtain the weapons.

"If the ghost gun legislation goes the way we hope it goes, the bad guys will have a much harder time coming up with the guns used in criminal activity,” said Cooney.

However, Tom King, Executive Director of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, believes the legislation won’t be effective in curbing gun violence.

“Firearms laws are only obeyed by the lawful citizens of the state. Criminals do not pay any attention to any laws that are passed,” said King.

“They get a hold of guns all the time. There is a criminal network in the United States. Guns move along in this network,” added King.

MORE:Saratoga Springs Police recover loaded 9mm "Ghost Gun"

In a statement to CBS6, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins expressed support of the recently signed legislation saying, “It's imperative that we continue to do all we can to ensure that dangerous weapons, including ghost guns, stay out of the hands of individuals who intend to use them and cause trauma in our communities. I support the recent legislation cracking down on ghost guns and am encouraged by all those from the Albany community and afar who remain committed to addressing this important issue."

So far, 10 ghost guns have been recovered in the city of Albany, according to a spokesperson with APD.

Loading ...