ATF Reports 1,000% Increase in ‘Ghost Guns’ Linked to Crimes

The ATF is reporting a 1,000% increase in “ghost guns” recovered from crime scenes, a form of homemade weapon that is difficult for law enforcement to trace, emphasizing a criminal trend troubling local law enforcement. ATF special agent Bernard Hansen said Des Moines’ first case linking a 3D-printed gun to a crime is the city’s first local case of a nationwide trend. In 2020, the ATF recovered more than 11 times more “ghost guns” than 2016, many of which were 3D-printed weapons.

Hansen said the increase coincides with the expansion of the internet and access to 3D-printing technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity amongst criminal groups boosted exponentially, leading them to a concerning new reality of people creating and distributing 3D-printed weapons with the intent of committing crimes, knowing that law enforcement cannot trace the weapon.

That trend is why Des Moines police are worried. The discovery of a 16-year-old illegally possessing two 3D-printed guns could indicate someone in the Des Moines area is distributing guns to criminals.

Iowa has no law prohibiting the creation or use of 3D-printed weapons, so it is legal to make and own one. The guns become criminal when a person with felony charges, a minor, or someone with previous mental health issues barring them from gun ownership possess the homemade gun. Distributing a weapon with no serial number is also legally questionable.

This alarming increase in ghost guns poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and public safety. Stay updated with the latest news on this issue by downloading the free KCCI app.