Following a tragic mass shooting that claimed five lives and injured several others, including children, Philadelphia has taken legal action against two major suppliers of ghost guns. Mayor Jim Kenney announced lawsuits against Polymer80, Inc. and JSD Supply, alleging their contribution to the city's escalating gun violence. The city accuses these companies of fueling the crisis by distributing unserialized ghost gun kits without proper background checks or identity verification.
The lawsuit contends that these companies circumvent federal and state firearm regulations by selling untraceable weapons, readily accessible at gun shows just outside city limits. Mayor Kenney emphasized the severe threat these untraceable weapons pose to public safety. The city seeks a court order to halt the distribution of these ghost guns by both companies. JSD Supply declined comment, and Fox News Digital has contacted Polymer80, Inc. for a statement.
This legal action follows the devastating mass shooting in the Kingsessing neighborhood. The suspect, Kimbrady Carriker, 40, faces multiple charges, including five counts of murder. Authorities confirmed that the AR-style rifle and handgun used in the attack were privately manufactured. District Attorney Larry Krasner stated that Carriker seemingly targeted victims at random. The victims include Daujan Brown, 15; Joseph Wamah, Jr., 31; Lashyd Merritt, 20; Dymir Stanton, 29; and Ralph Moralis, 59.
Among the injured are multiple children, including a two-year-old shot four times in the legs. Four of the survivors were in a vehicle when Carriker allegedly opened fire, injuring a 33-year-old woman and another two-year-old with shattered glass.
Data reveals that almost 10% of firearms recovered by the Philadelphia Police Department in the last two years were privately made, highlighting the growing concern surrounding ghost guns. City officials stress the danger these weapons represent, particularly when they fall into the wrong hands, including children.
Carriker, who identified as male despite reports of cross-dressing, is being held without bail on the murder charges and with $1.5 million bail for each attempted murder charge.
