Biden administration crackdown on 'ghost guns' takes effect

A new federal rule designed to crack down on "ghost guns," or privately assembled firearms, took effect on Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced. 

"These guns have often been sold as build-your-own kits that contain all or almost all of the parts needed to quickly build an unmarked gun. And anyone could sell or buy these guns without a background check," Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday. 

"That changes today. This rule will make it harder for criminals and other prohibited persons to obtain untraceable guns. It will help to ensure that law enforcement officers can retrieve the information they need to solve crimes. And it will help reduce the number of untraceable firearms flooding our communities."