Understanding Ghost Guns: The Weapon Behind the NYC CEO Shooting

The recent killing of a healthcare executive in New York by Luigi Mangione highlights the rising concern surrounding ghost guns, which are untraceable firearms that can be easily assembled at home. Law enforcement reports that the weapon used in the crime appears to be a ghost gun, raising pivotal questions regarding regulation and safety.

In the wake of the tragic assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, investigators have turned their attention to the weapon allegedly wielded by the suspect, Luigi Mangione. The firearm, described as a ghost gun, may have been constructed with a 3D printer, although ballistic experts are still set to conduct detailed examinations to confirm its origins. The case has brought heightened scrutiny to ghost guns, a category of firearms that advocacy groups have branded as "the fastest-growing gun safety problem in the country."

Ghost guns are defined as untraceable firearms that can be assembled at home, either from weapon parts kits or completely from scratch, lacking any serial numbers. The black pistol recovered from Mangione reportedly fits this description—a semi-automatic device, complete with a 3D-printed receiver, metal slide, and a silencer. It is confirmed to be capable of firing 9mm rounds, which aligns with the weapon used in Thompson's violent death just weeks ago.

Under the Biden administration, the conversation surrounding ghost guns has intensified, with officials labeling the assembly process as “ridiculously easy.” Prior to August 2023, various firearm components could be purchased online without any background checks, with accessible tutorials enabling individuals to fabricate a functional firearm within an hour. However, the unregulated nature of these weapons has left significant concerns regarding their misuse.

The scale of the problem is alarming. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), law enforcement identified 20,000 ghost guns in criminal investigations throughout 2022—a stark increase from 2016. The absence of serial numbers makes it almost impossible for authorities to trace illegal sales, particularly to minors or individuals prohibited from possessing firearms.

Commentators, including former high-ranking government officials, express skepticism over whether public sentiment will shift in light of Thompson's death. Juliette Kayyem noted the difficulties America faces in restricting firearm access, suggesting that ghost guns represent a new challenge in a society already bogged down by complex issues of gun violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded that firearm-related fatalities exceeded 48,000 in 2022, underscoring the ongoing crisis.

As discussions about regulating ghost guns resurface, the Biden administration aims to treat these firearms similarly to commercially available guns, mandating manufacturers to include serial numbers and conduct background checks. The US Supreme Court has indicated potential support for these regulations, a significant stance given the challenge from gun rights advocates contesting what they perceive as overreach. This evolving legal landscape may see a pivotal moment if the Court upholds ATF regulations, particularly considering its conservative majority that has often resisted gun control measures.

In the broader arena of gun control debates, figures like former President Donald Trump remain vocal proponents of Second Amendment rights, commanding substantial support from organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA). As America grapples with the implications of ghost guns and escalating gun violence, discussions around safety and regulation become increasingly critical.