DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Delaware County Council last week unanimously passed an ordinance banning ghost guns and machine gun converters.
Ghost guns, as described by Delaware County officials, are made from parts that are often 3D printed and available in mail-order kits, have no serial numbers and can be assembled in just minutes.
Converters are a tool you put on a regular gun that amplifies its lethality and turns a regular gun into a machine gun.
“Everyone is realizing the popularity of these weapons is rising. It’s challenging our public safety, it’s challenging our first responders, and honestly, there’s no place in a lawful society for lethal weapons that can’t be traced,” said Councilwoman Elaine Schaffer.
Delaware County is the first county in Pennsylvania to ban these firearm parts.
The ban comes with a $1,000 penalty or up to 10 days in jail for each violation. It also makes it illegal to create, buy or sell parts needed to make a ghost gun. And as for converters, it’s illegal to manufacture, produce, purchase, sell or transfer them.
“Being in leadership in the county, your number one priority is to keep your residents safe,” Schaffer said. “I view this as a small step towards keeping our residents safer.”