HARTFORD, Conn. — A security officer at Saint Francis Hospital was taken into custody last month after a disturbing discovery was made: a ghost gun left unattended on the hospital’s fifth floor.
Police responded swiftly to reports of a backpack containing a firearm found unattended. Upon investigation, authorities recovered a 9mm handgun equipped with a large-capacity magazine and threaded barrel. The firearm was identified as a ghost gun, notably lacking a serial number, making it untraceable, reports NBC Connecticut.
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The backpack, police determined, belonged to Kamar Camby, a 19-year-old security officer at the hospital, reports WFSB. Camby admitted ownership of the weapon and is now facing multiple charges, including carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a firearm without a serial number, possession of an assault weapon, and possession of a large-capacity magazine.
Understanding the Threat of Ghost Guns
Ghost guns, or privately made firearms (PMFs), pose a significant challenge to law enforcement. These firearms are typically assembled from kits or parts purchased online, circumventing standard registration processes. With the advent of 3D printing technology, the production of ghost guns has become even more accessible, allowing almost every component to be printed at home. The plans for these firearms are widely available on the internet, exacerbating the issue.
The lack of background checks and serial numbers for ghost guns makes them especially dangerous. They can be acquired by individuals prohibited from purchasing firearms legally, and some even bear counterfeit markings that can deceive authorities into mistaking them for authentic weapons.
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Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are increasingly focused on the growing threat posed by ghost guns. As the technology to produce these firearms becomes more sophisticated, the challenge of regulating and controlling their distribution intensifies. Future legislative efforts may focus on closing loopholes that allow the sale of firearm kits without background checks and increasing penalties for possession of untraceable weapons.
