As we at Whitney/Strong continue leaning into “hope in action” as inspiration to finding common ground in the fight to end gun violence, I’m eager to share my perspective on the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the requirement of serial numbers and background checks for ghost guns. But before diving into the heart of the matter, and since I’m still new to the organization, I want to offer a bit of personal context. I’m not anti-gun; in fact, I’m a veteran, shooting sports enthusiast, responsible gun owner, and a firm believer in the Second Amendment. What I am is deeply committed to reducing gun violence, and I believe those two positions can, and should, coexist.
I completely understand the appeal of firearms as a hobby; the craftsmanship, skill, and satisfaction that comes from building something with your own hands. There’s no denying the pride many feel in creating a firearm from scratch. But there must be a balance. Personal satisfaction shouldn’t come at the cost of public safety by allowing people to sidestep laws designed to keep guns out of the wrong hands. The reality we must face: too many of these untraceable firearms end up being used with harmful intent. For example, in 2018, before the 2022 regulation took effect, fewer than 4,000 ghost guns were recovered at crime scenes, that number surged to nearly 20,000 by 2021, according to Justice Department data.
Of course, I know most hobbyists aren’t out to do harm. In fact, I believe the vast majority are responsible individuals who simply enjoy the process. My point is simple, just follow the same basic safeguards to serialize the firearm and complete a background check, just as you would if you were to make a purchase at a store. As someone who’s gone through that process many times myself, I can say from experience, it’s neither invasive nor complicated.
My hope with this decision is that it represents a step toward common ground, proof that we can protect public safety without undermining Second Amendment rights. It doesn’t have to be an either-or conversation. Responsible gun ownership and common sense, enforceable safeguards can coexist. This ruling sends a message that even in a divided landscape, there’s room for agreement when we focus on solutions that honor both safety and individual rights. If we continue to lean into that shared space, I believe real progress is not only possible, it is within reach.
Corbit Harrison, Director of Development