Minnesota Supreme Court rules “ghost guns” are legal
Minnesota Supreme Court Rules Ghost Guns Legal Without Serial Numbers
📝 Summary:
In a split decision, the Minnesota Supreme Court held that possessing a ghost gun—a firearm assembled privately without a serial number—is not illegal under state law, because the statute in question relies on federal law that does not require a serial number for such weapons.
Justice Paul Thissen, writing for the majority, explained that Minnesota’s 1994 law mirrored federal law to penalize altered or removed serial numbers—not unmarked firearms lawfully crafted by individuals. He warned that broadly criminalizing serial-number-less guns could accidentally make law-abiding citizens criminals and emphasized that legislative action is needed to fill this regulatory gap.
Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, joined by Justice Karl Procaccini, dissented. She argued the law plainly applies to any firearm without a serial number and noted that requiring serial numbers helps tracing and public safety—even if unenforceable currently.
The ruling stemmed from a 2022 vehicle crash in Fridley, where police discovered a ghost gun inside a car. The state initially charged the driver under the serial-number statute. After back-and-forth rulings, the Minnesota Supreme Court ultimately sided with the defendant.
⚖️ Key Legal Outcomes
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Possession of ghost guns without serial numbers is legal under current state law.
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Minnesota’s serial number statute is too vague, relying on federal law that doesn’t cover ghost guns.
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Court ruled regulation of ghost guns is a legislative responsibility, not judicial.
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Split decision: the majority framed it as public policy clarity, dissent warned of safety erosion.
📌 Why It Matters
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Creates a legal loophole in gun regulation for untraceable firearms.
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Highlights the gap between federal law and state enforcement on ghost guns.
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Pressures lawmakers to introduce new legislation regulating ghost gun possession.
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Raises public safety concerns over untraceable weapons circulating freely.
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Reflects broader debate over judicial vs. legislative roles in gun control.
🔗 Outlet & Publication Date
Minnesota Star Tribune (reported via multiple news sources) — Published August 6, 2025 Star Tribune
