In a recent development, two prominent gun parts manufacturers in America have agreed to temporarily halt sales of their products in Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania as part of a settlement with city officials. Philadelphia had filed a lawsuit against Polymer80 and JSD Supply, accusing them of contributing to gun violence by manufacturing and selling untraceable “ghost guns.” The lawsuit was a part of a broader legal effort to restrict the marketing of assemble-at-home guns in certain areas. David Pucino, legal director of Giffords Law Center, which represented the city, emphasized the need for accountability in the gun industry.
As per the settlement, JSD Supply, based in Butler, Pennsylvania, will refrain from selling its products in the state for four years. Additionally, JSD-owned Eagle Shows, Pennsylvania’s largest gun show, will prohibit vendors from selling such gun parts for two years. Dayton, Nevada-based Polymer80 agreed to a four-year ban on sales to customers in Philadelphia and several nearby counties, including Berks, Bucks, Chester, and others. Polymer80 also agreed to pay $1.3 million, which will be utilized by Philadelphia officials to combat gun violence in the city.
The prevalence of ghost guns, which can be obtained without a background check and assembled at home, has raised concerns among city officials. These firearms have been linked to numerous shootings involving children, criminals, and individuals who are not legally allowed to own a gun. The use of ghost guns in crimes has seen a significant increase in recent years, with a fourfold rise recorded between 2019 and 2022. In 2022 alone, Philadelphia police seized 575 of these guns. Mayor Cherelle Parker highlighted the role of Polymer80 and JSD Supply in providing the majority of ghost guns recovered in the city, underscoring the need for accountability.
The tragic shooting incident in July, where a gunman armed with self-manufactured weapons killed five people in Philadelphia, served as a grim reminder of the impact of untraceable weapons. The city solicitor Renee Garcia emphasized the devastating consequences of these weapons ending up in the hands of individuals who should not possess firearms. This settlement marks a significant step towards addressing the issue of ghost guns and holding manufacturers accountable for their contribution to gun violence. The involvement of Mayor Cherelle Parker and city officials in negotiating this agreement reflects their commitment to ensuring public safety and tackling the proliferation of untraceable firearms.
In a similar vein, other cities and states have taken legal actions to restrict the sale of components that could be used to assemble ghost guns. Recent settlements with companies like Polymer80 and the federal court’s decision to ban a Florida gun retailer from selling certain gun parts in New York demonstrate the growing efforts to curb the availability of untraceable weapons. Moving forward, it will be essential for lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and manufacturers to work together to enhance regulations and prevent the misuse of ghost guns. The settlement in Philadelphia serves as a model for collaborative efforts in addressing gun violence and promoting public safety.
