Ghost Gun To Kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson: On December 4, 2024, the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shocked the nation. Police investigations revealed that Thompson was killed with a ghost gun, a privately made firearm. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, allegedly used this homemade weapon to shoot Thompson, with the weapon believed to have been crafted using a 3D printer. The details surrounding this crime have raised concerns about the growing use of ghost guns in violent incidents.
What is a Ghost Gun?
A ghost gun is a firearm that can be assembled or printed privately, without the involvement of licensed manufacturers. Unlike traditional firearms, ghost guns lack a serial number, making them incredibly difficult to trace. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), these guns are typically made by individuals rather than legally registered entities. Though not all ghost guns are illegal, the lack of traceability and regulation makes them a significant concern for law enforcement.
These firearms can take many forms, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, or even machine guns. Ghost guns are a growing threat, with more than 45,000 suspected ghost guns reported to the ATF between 2016 and 2021. These weapons have been recovered from crime scenes, raising alarm about their widespread availability and use.
Legal Status of Ghost Guns
While ghost guns are difficult to track, not all are illegal under U.S. law. As per CBS News, people in the U.S. can legally make ghost guns as long as they are “detectable”, meaning they must contain enough metal to be detected by a metal detector. The Gun Control Act does not prohibit individuals from creating their own firearms for personal use, provided they adhere to these rules.
However, the absence of a serial number makes these guns attractive to criminals, as they are harder for law enforcement to trace. The ease of manufacturing these weapons has contributed to their proliferation, raising concerns about their role in illegal activities and violent crimes.
How Are Ghost Guns Made?
Ghost guns can be made using a variety of methods, but 3D printing is one of the most common techniques. This technology allows individuals to print the components of a firearm, often from plastic or other materials. The process is relatively simple and can be done at home, making it accessible to anyone with the necessary equipment.
Alternatively, ghost guns can be assembled from kits. These kits typically contain the parts needed to build a functioning firearm, and they often come without a serial number. The ease of access to these kits and the affordability of 3D printing have made it possible for individuals to create guns for as little as $200, with the average cost being approximately $500.
The Danger of 3D-Printed Firearms
The case of Brian Thompson’s death highlights the growing concern over 3D-printed firearms. As technology advances, printing fully functional guns has become easier and more efficient. These weapons are not just homemade; they can be equipped with additional accessories, such as a 3D-printed silencer, as was discovered in Mangione’s backpack. This raises questions about the future of gun control and whether current laws are sufficient to address this evolving threat.
The Role of Ghost Guns in Crime
The use of ghost guns in violent crimes is not new. In the case of Brian Thompson’s murder, Luigi Mangione allegedly used a 3D-printed pistol with a metal slide and a plastic handle. The weapon was found with a loaded Glock magazine, containing six 9mm rounds, along with one loose hollow-point round. These details were revealed in a Pennsylvania criminal complaint following Mangione’s arrest.
While it is still unclear why Mangione targeted Thompson, the fact that the weapon was a ghost gun raises critical concerns. The ability to create and possess firearms without the need for a background check or serial number makes it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to track and prevent gun violence.
Addressing the Threat of Ghost Guns
The rise of ghost guns underscores the need for stronger regulations surrounding privately made firearms. As more individuals turn to 3D printing and kits to create their own weapons, lawmakers face a challenge in ensuring that these guns do not fall into the wrong hands. Efforts to ban or regulate ghost guns are already underway in some states, but the federal government has yet to implement comprehensive measures to address the issue.
Until then, it remains crucial for law enforcement agencies to stay vigilant and for the public to be aware of the risks associated with ghost guns. Education and awareness campaigns could play a significant role in deterring the illegal manufacture and distribution of these firearms.
The tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has brought ghost guns into the spotlight, shedding light on the dangers of untraceable, privately made firearms. As technology evolves, so too does the ability for individuals to create weapons without oversight or regulation. While ghost guns are not inherently illegal, their use in criminal activities poses a significant threat to public safety. Addressing this growing concern will require concerted efforts from lawmakers, law enforcement, and the public to prevent future tragedies.
