Fighting for Victims. Investigating the Truth. Demanding Accountability.

At McEldrew Purtell, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims, survivors, and families devastated by the growing epidemic of gun violence. Today, we announce a formal investigation into the use and distribution of “ghost guns” – untraceable, often homemade firearms increasingly linked to deadly shootings across Philadelphia and beyond. 

What Are Ghost Guns?

Ghost guns are homemade firearms, often assembled from kits or created using 3D-printed parts. These weapons: 

• Lack serial numbers, making them nearly impossible for law enforcement to trace. 
• Can be purchased without background checks.
• Are easily modified with a “switch” to fire as fully automatic weapons, capable of discharging 1,200 rounds per minute.

These dangerous weapons often end up in the hands of people legally prohibited from owning guns. When modified, they become uncontrollable, unleashing a “spray and pray” style of fire that turns everyday neighborhoods into war zones. 

Why It Matters: A Growing, Unregulated Crisis

The numbers tell a disturbing story: 

• According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), nearly 51,000 ghost guns were recovered at crime scenes nationwide between 2017 and 2023. 
• In 2023 alone, the ATF recovered over 25,000 ghost guns – a 1,000% increase from just five years earlier.
• In Philadelphia, ghost gun recoveries rose by over 300% between 2019 and 2022.
• By 2024, nearly 1 in 10 guns recovered by Philadelphia police had no serial number.
• A study from Everytown for Gun Safety found that ghost guns were used in at least 36 mass shootings since 2016.
• Over 80% of ghost guns recovered in federal investigations were linked to individuals legally prohibited from owning firearms.

These weapons are no longer rare. They are readily available, shockingly powerful, and increasingly common in gang violence, domestic abuse, mass shootings, and youth-related crime. 

The Human Toll: A Tragic Example 

On July 7, 2025, a Philadelphia community was forever changed when three young men were killed in a mass shooting that injured nine others. Video of the attack shows continuous gunfire, and investigators confirmed a handgun had been illegally modified with a switch to act like a fully automatic weapon. The event was both shocking—and entirely preventable. 

Who’s Responsible?

The companies that manufacture and distribute these weapons may not pull the trigger but they enable those who do. 

They: 

• Sell deadly weapons with no accountability 
• Market products as “80% kits” to evade regulation
• Provide online tutorials and add-on parts to make firearms fully functional
• Continue to operate despite known connections to violent crime

Their decisions put profits over people, ignoring the consequences of what they sell. 

Our Investigation

McEldrew Purtell is currently investigating: 

• Ghost gun kit manufacturers 
• Parts distributors
• Online platforms enabling unregulated sales
• Individuals or companies promoting illegal modifications

If we uncover evidence of negligence, recklessness, or corporate misconduct, we are prepared to file suit to hold them accountable. 

Have You Been Affected by a Ghost Gun?

If you or a loved one has been severely harmed by a ghost gun whether in a mass shooting, drive-by, robbery, or assault, we want to hear from you. You may be eligible to pursue justice through civil litigation. Contact us today to speak confidentially with a member of our legal team. Together, we can shine a light on this growing threat—and fight for a safer future.