Crime

Bill Aimed at Curtailing 'Ghost Guns' - Weapons Assembled in USVI Using Imported Parts to Make Them Untraceable - Wins Approval

The Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety on Wednesday forwarded a bill aimed at curtailing the rise of “ghost guns” in the USVI.  Ray A. Martinez, V.I. Police Department commissioner nominee, explained the term “ghost gun” in his opening testimony. “Ghost guns are fully functional firearms that can be made at home using parts and kits that are available for purchase online," he said. "The key component of a firearm is the receiver, which holds the parts that enable it to actually shoot, such as the hammer, bolt, or breechblock, and firing mechanism. Ghost guns are made using receivers that are not technically finished and require a few additional steps at home, such as drilling a few holes before they can be used to make a functional gun." He added, "Kits and online tutorials for making guns using unfinished receivers have mushroomed in recent years and do not require any technical expertise. These guns made at home using unfinished receivers have become known a...