'Small part of a far larger problem': Emergency department doctor on ghost guns

Police took a 15-year old into custody in connection to a mass shooting at the Seattle Center that left three dead and several others injured. Police later said that 15-year old had a “ghost gun."

This refers to a type of firearm that’s often assembled at home and manufactured without a serial number. 

In charging documents, prosecutors allege the teenager fired into the crowd. Police say the gun doesn’t appear to be involved the deaths of two bystanders from last week. 

Washington is a leader in trying to prohibit ghost guns. 

Back in 2022, the state passed a law to ban them. Earlier this year, lawmakers prohibited the unlawful manufacture of guns using 3-D printers or CNC milling machines. 

And yet, ghost guns continue to be a concern here in the state.

Guest: Garen Wintemute is the founding director of the Centers for Violence Prevention at UC Davis in California. He's also an emergency department attending physician. 

Related links:

• 15-year-old Seattle Center shooting suspect charged with first-degree assault; prosecutors seek adult trial | KUOW
• Ghost gun used in Seattle Center shooting, police say | The Seattle Times
• Ghost guns explained—how they are made, used? | FOX 13 Seattle
• Bullets from 15-year-old's gun did not kill 2 Seattle Center victims, according to early findings | KUOW

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