Gov. Murphy Signs Bill Banning 'Ghost Guns' Into Law

Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Thursday making it illegal in New Jersey to purchase parts to manufacture “ghost guns.”

The legislation also bans the distribution of information on assembling the guns, which are homemade or 3D printed firearms that are untraceable by law enforcement, officials say.

Murphy noted that the signing comes just as authorities are dealing with a mass shoooting in Thousand Oaks, Calif. that claimed 12 lives, including a police officer who reported to the scene.

Murphy said these instances "are far too common and we cannot allow any instance of this kind of violence to go unnoticed."

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," he said. "But it is through action that we can make definitive changes to end these kinds of deadly mass shootings. New Jersey is committed to being a leader in ending gun violence to make sure that future generations don’t continue to face this kind of fear."

Ghost guns can be created by anyone with a computer and access to a 3D printer, giving the public the ability to build their own unregistered and untraceable firearm. Kits to assemble ghost guns will no longer be allowed in New Jersey, Murphy said.

In June, Attorney General Grewal issued a cease-and-desist letter to companies that produce blueprints for ghost guns, and joined like-minded attorney generals from around the country in the effort to block the release of those blueprints.

“Printable guns and ghost guns put the safety of our residents and our law enforcement officers at risk, because they give anyone—even terrorists, felons, or domestic abusers—access to an untraceable gun,” said Grewal. “I took a stand this summer against individuals attempting both to post codes for 3D printable guns online and sell ghost guns into our state. That’s why as New Jersey’s chief law enforcement officer, I’m proud to stand with Governor Murphy and the Legislature as they give law enforcement additional tools to rid our streets of these dangerous weapons.”

The ghost gun bill passed the Legislature by a significant margin, with only five members from either chamber opposing the measure.

Governor Murphy photo