Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Ghost guns tied to higher suicide rates but not homicides, NYU study finds
By
Charles Lane
Published Jan 21, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published Jan 21, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Ghost guns are linked to higher suicide rates but not to increases in homicides, according to a new study from New York University researchers.
The findings come as New York officials push for tighter restrictions on untraceable firearms, including a proposal from Gov. Kathy Hochul to require 3D printers sold in the state to include technology that blocks unlicensed gun production.
The peer-reviewed study, published this month in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, is the first to examine how ghost guns relate to firearm death rates.
Researchers analyzed data on ghost gun recoveries across California’s 58 counties from 2014 to 2023. They found for every 20 ghost guns recovered per 100,000 residents, the firearm suicide rate increased by 6% the following year.
Diana Silver, a coauthor of the study and a professor at NYU’s School of Global Public Health, said ghost guns may appeal to people who can't pass background checks or want to avoid interacting with others when acquiring a firearm.
“People who may be prone to suicide — who either can't get guns or don't have the money to get guns — find this easier than engaging with other people to purchase a gun or go through the background check,” she said.
Silver said the lack of a link to homicides tracks with broader trends in gun deaths, most of which are suicides. Homicides, she noted, often involve weapons already present in homes during escalating disputes.
The study found statistically significant associations between ghost gun recoveries and suicide rates among men, non-Hispanic white people and Hispanic people. But Silver urged caution when interpreting the results for Hispanic populations, since California’s large Latino population may limit how the findings apply to other states. No significant link was found for Black, Asian or female populations.
Silver emphasized that the study identifies associations, not cause and effect.
“These are just associations. This is not causal research,” she said. “But it's the first line of research that tells us there may be something here that we would need to look into.”
Ghost guns — firearms without serial numbers that can be built at home from kits or 3D-printed components — have surged nationwide in recent years. Law enforcement recovered nearly 17 times more ghost guns in 2023 than in 2017, according to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has also pushed for new rules targeting 3D printer manufacturers, arguing ghost guns now rival the so-called "iron pipeline" of illegal firearms trafficked into New York from other states.
Tagged
education
new york city
public safety
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .