Understanding Ghost Guns: The Weapon Linking to the New York CEO Shooting

The recent shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has drawn renewed attention to ghost guns—untraceable firearms that can be assembled at home, which authorities believe may have been used in the incident. While the Biden administration seeks to regulate these weapons, concerns about their proliferation continue to grow.

The deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has reignited discussions surrounding the use of ghost guns—homemade firearms often lacking serial numbers that make them difficult to trace. Officials claim that the handgun discovered with suspected shooter Luigi Mangione may have been assembled using a 3D printer, yet ballistic experts have yet to confirm this.

Ghost guns have earned their name due to their potential to be untraceable. These homemade weapons can be crafted from a variety of parts sourced online or through kits, allowing users to bypass traditional firearm regulations. The firearm reportedly found with Mangione was described as a semi-automatic pistol, complete with a 3D-printed receiver and silencer, capable of firing 9mm ammunition—similar to the weapon involved in Thompson's tragic shooting.

Advocates have labeled ghost guns as "the fastest-growing gun safety problem in the country." The Biden administration has previously pointed out their arrangement is "ridiculously easy," with many components available for purchase without a background check prior to regulatory changes in August 2023. Online instructions further demonstrate how quickly these weapons can be assembled.

The proliferation of ghost guns is alarming. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported a staggering rise, indicating that law enforcement discovered over 20,000 suspected ghost guns in criminal activities in 2022—a tenfold increase since 2016. Their anonymous nature complicates efforts to confront illegal sales, particularly to vulnerable demographics like minors or individuals lacking proper licenses.

Despite heightened scrutiny following high-profile incidents, there remains skepticism regarding whether public sentiment surrounding ghost guns will shift significantly. Juliette Kayyem, a former government official, noted that Americans are grappling with complex issues related to gun control in a violent context.

As efforts to regulate ghost guns have increased, including mandates for serial numbers and background checks as outlined by recent ATF rulings, the Supreme Court has shown openness to these measures. This comes amid challenges from pro-gun groups arguing that such regulations overstep existing laws. Upholding these measures may pave the way for more comprehensive approaches to firearm restrictions in the United States.

In a country where firearm deaths exceeded 48,000 in 2022, the discourse around gun laws and safety continues to evolve, placing ghost guns at the forefront of national discussions on gun violence and control.