In Manhattan, a shocking crime has put the spotlight on the rising threat of ghost guns. On December 4, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead in the heart of New York City. The weapon used in this brutal act? A ghost gun, a type of untraceable firearm that can be easily assembled at home. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, was arrested several days later with a ghost gun in his possession.

What Exactly Is a Ghost Gun?

A ghost gun is a firearm without a serial number, making it nearly impossible for authorities to trace back to its maker or owner. These guns are typically assembled privately, either from kits that can be purchased online or through parts printed via 3D technology. While not inherently illegal, ghost guns are increasingly being used in criminal activities, which raises significant concerns for public safety. Between 2016 and 2021, over 45,000 ghost guns were recovered from crime scenes across the United States.

These weapons are a growing threat because they allow individuals to bypass traditional gun registration laws. Assembling a ghost gun does not require any background checks or waiting periods, and the parts can be bought online or fabricated using 3D printers. This makes the process relatively easy and accessible to those who might otherwise be prohibited from purchasing firearms legally.

How Easy Is It To Make a Ghost Gun?

The process of creating a ghost gun is surprisingly simple, and the technology to do so is widely available. Anyone with access to a 3D printer or the willingness to purchase a kit can assemble a fully functional firearm within minutes. These kits are not just limited to handguns but include components for more powerful weapons like assault rifles.

Assembly can take as little as 30 minutes and cost around $500 (approximately €475), making ghost guns both affordable and fast to produce. Kits are available for a range of firearms, including simple semi-automatic handguns such as the Glock 9mm, as well as more powerful assault rifles like the AR-15 and AK-47. These weapons are often used in mass shootings and criminal activities due to their power and ease of use.

The growing affordability of 3D printers has only accelerated the problem, as individuals can print their own firearms at home. This shift represents a new wave of firearm accessibility that bypasses traditional legal frameworks and makes it difficult for law enforcement to keep track of these weapons.

The Legal Gray Area Surrounding Ghost Guns

In the United States, it is currently legal to manufacture firearms for personal use in many states without a license, as long as the firearms are not sold. However, the lack of regulation around ghost guns, especially those made from kits or 3D-printed parts, creates a legal gray area. While some states like New York have more stringent laws, there is no federal regulation specifically targeting ghost guns, which makes it difficult to combat this growing problem effectively.

In states where laws are stricter, authorities have struggled to enforce controls due to the lack of regulation surrounding private gun manufacturing. Ghost guns are made without the usual traceable markings, meaning that even law enforcement officers have little to no information on the weapon’s origin. This is a significant concern for public safety and security.

A New Challenge for Law Enforcement

The rise of ghost guns has presented a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies across the country. Because these weapons are not registered and do not have serial numbers, tracking them becomes nearly impossible. This, combined with the increasing availability of kits and 3D printing technology, makes it more difficult for authorities to prevent these untraceable guns from ending up in the hands of criminals.

As ghost guns continue to proliferate, the strain on law enforcement grows. Traditional gun control measures are insufficient to address this issue, as the weapons are often assembled in private homes and are not subject to the same regulations as commercially sold firearms. In response, agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and local police departments, such as the NYPD, have ramped up efforts to curb the flow of ghost guns into the wrong hands. However, the legal landscape remains complex and fragmented, making it difficult to tackle this issue comprehensively.

John Miller, Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the NYPD, highlighted the growing dangers of ghost guns in 2022, stating, “Today, people can sit at home, connect to their computer, and use a 3D printer to print out a machine gun capable of killing people. This is a problem.”

The Case of Luigi Mangione

The arrest of Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old from Altoona, Pennsylvania, shines a spotlight on the potential dangers of ghost guns. Mangione was arrested on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after authorities linked him to the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was killed in Manhattan on December 4. When Mangione was apprehended, police discovered a ghost gun and a silencer, both of which may have been 3D-printed.

Key details of the incident and arrest:

• Suspect: Luigi Mangione, 26, arrested on December 9, 2023, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
• Victim: Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, killed on December 4, 2023, in Manhattan, New York.
• Weapon: Ghost gun, potentially 3D-printed, capable of firing 9mm rounds.
• Silencer: Also found on Mangione, likely 3D-printed as well.

Authorities are still investigating the case, but it serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by ghost guns. While Mangione’s motive remains unclear, the use of an untraceable firearm underscores the ease with which individuals can circumvent existing gun laws and acquire deadly weapons. The use of a silencer in the crime further complicates efforts to regulate these firearms, as even silencers can now be 3D-printed and used without official registration.