The Los Angeles County district attorney wants credit card companies to halt payments for online purchases of assemble-at-home kits for so-called ghost guns — untracked and untraceable firearms that are finding their way into communities across the country in increasing numbers. District Attorney George Gascón challenged credit card companies on Tuesday to go beyond what law enforcement can do in limiting the proliferation of ghost guns. “American Express, Mastercard and Visa have the ability to go beyond what any law enforcement agency, legislature or city council can accomplish,” Gascón said in a news release. “We are asking these companies to join us in stemming the flow of ghost guns into our communities by preventing a ghost gun kit from being sold with a few mere clicks on a smartphone or computer.” The build-it-yourself guns are made from kits that can be sold to anyone. The kits cost $350 to $500, according to Gascón’s office. He says the guns are easy to purchase, especially to those who want to evade a background check including underage buyers, felons, or people with criminal pasts or mental illness. Data shows that these guns have been involved in shootings and found at crime scenes with increasing frequency. Several cities have reported sharp increases in the number of ghost guns recovered over time — and while they make up a relatively small percentage of the total number of guns recovered by law enforcement, that share is growing.
via erienoewshow: Los Angeles County DA attempts to battle ‘ghost gun’ sales by appealing to credit card companies for help