"154% increase in ghost gun seizures raises alarms in NYC"

The alarming increase in the confiscation of "ghost guns" in New York City, with a 154% rise compared to previous years, has raised red flags among authorities and the community. By early December 2024, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has seized 382 of these illegal weapons, which are increasingly being used in a variety of crimes. This phenomenon coincides with the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, who was shot in an incident that has led to the arrest of Luigi Mangione, a graduate of an Ivy League university. "Ghost guns" are firearms that lack a serial number, making them extremely difficult to trace. They have become an increasingly significant problem in the city, a development confirmed by figures provided by the mayor's office. In 2017, only 18 of these guns were confiscated, while in 2022 that number skyrocketed to over 430, representing a monumental increase in the use and manufacture of these weapons. The fact that the parts to build these guns can be easily purchased online and assembled in a matter of minutes has facilitated their proliferation. Without the need for a license or background check, anyone can create their own ghost gun with a kit that requires only basic tools. Daryl McCormick, an ATF agent, emphasized how easily these weapons can be manufactured, putting the city's gun control strategies in jeopardy. The arrest of Mangione at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania, where he was found in possession of one of these weapons, has highlighted the severity of the problem. Police suspect that the gun may have been made with a 3D printer, raising further questions about the regulation and oversight of gun production in the country. Joseph Kenny, chief of detectives for the NYPD, has indicated that a ballistic analysis will be conducted to determine the origin of the weapon used in Thompson's murder. Gun violence has become a constant presence on the streets of New York, affecting innocent citizens in unexpected places such as public transportation. Recently, a young man was shot on a bus filled with passengers, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The city seems trapped in a cycle of violence where gang confrontations result in more victims, many of whom are not the intended targets of the attacks. Authorities have intensified their efforts to combat gang violence, resulting in a series of arrests and raids that have apprehended numerous individuals linked to criminal activities. Police have noted that many of these crimes are related to territorial disputes, complicating the task of containing gun violence in the city. The use of social media by criminals to brag about their crimes has contributed to an atmosphere of impunity. This phenomenon has not only allowed police to identify suspects but has also raised widespread concerns in the community about public safety. In response to this rise in gun violence and the proliferation of homemade weapons, lawmakers are considering stricter measures to control the sale and possession of these firearms. However, the implementation of effective laws addressing this issue faces significant challenges, both politically and socially. Meanwhile, the community continues to seek answers and solutions to a problem that seems out of control. The growing concern for public safety has led to calls for more decisive action from authorities, who have the responsibility to protect citizens from violence that, until recently, seemed distant in such an iconic city as New York.