Pennsylvania Shutters Successful Gun Tracing Database

Former Attorney General's tool to fight gun crime no longer exists, but officials won't say why

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pennsylvania's Attorney General's office previously operated a successful gun tracing database that helped law enforcement identify negligent gun sellers and track the origins of firearms used in crimes. However, the database no longer exists, and current and former state officials have refused to explain when it was taken offline or the reasons behind its shutdown.

Why it matters

The loss of this database is a major setback in efforts to combat gun violence in Pennsylvania, as it removed a valuable tool for police to investigate the sources of illegal firearms and hold irresponsible gun dealers accountable. Community advocates argue the database's closure prioritizes protecting gun shop profits over public safety.

The details

The Pennsylvania Gun Tracing Analytics Platform was launched in 2019 by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro. The database allowed police to identify gun shops that were negligent in selling weapons to those who should not have them, as well as track connections between individual gun stores and multiple crimes. However, the database is no longer operational, and neither Shapiro nor current Attorney General Dave Sunday will explain when or why it was taken offline.

  • The Pennsylvania Gun Tracing Analytics Platform was launched in 2019 by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
  • Shapiro says the database was still active in February 2023 after he became governor.
  • The current status and fate of the database remains unclear.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The former Pennsylvania Attorney General who launched the successful gun tracing database in 2019.

Dave Sunday

The current Pennsylvania Attorney General, who has refused to comment on the status of the gun tracing database.

Michelle Henry

The former Pennsylvania Attorney General who served after Shapiro, and has also declined to comment on the database.

Micah Getz

A Philadelphia resident who believes the database was taken down to protect gun shop owners.

Brady United

A gun violence prevention organization that reported on a Philadelphia gun store selling a high number of "crime guns".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Micah Getz thinks he knows why no one wants to talk. He thinks the database was taken down to protect owners of gun shops. He's probably right.”

— Micah Getz, Philadelphia resident

What’s next

Gov. Shapiro may not want to pick a fight with the sitting attorney general, but at the very least, he should add his voice to those calling for his good work as attorney general to be continued.

The takeaway

The loss of Pennsylvania's successful gun tracing database is a major setback in efforts to combat gun violence, as it removed a valuable tool for law enforcement to investigate the sources of illegal firearms and hold irresponsible gun dealers accountable. Community advocates argue the database's closure prioritizes protecting gun shop profits over public safety.