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The handgun recovered from Luigi Mangione, who was arrested in connection with the murder of a healthcare executive, has drawn attention due to its suspected classification as a ghost gun. This term refers to firearms that can be assembled at home and are often created without serial numbers, rendering them untraceable.
Authorities have suggested that the gun could have been manufactured using a 3D printer, but definitive analysis will be needed from ballistic experts to establish its origins. The incident involving the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has reignited discussions on the rising concerns regarding ghost guns, which advocacy groups have labeled as “the fastest growing gun safety problem in the country.”
Defining Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are so named due to their untraceable nature, allowing them to be built from components ordered online or assembled from scratch without the oversight typically associated with conventional firearms. The weapon allegedly discovered with Mangione was described in the arrest warrant as a semi-automatic pistol featuring a receiver that appeared 3D-printed, complemented by a metal slide and a silencer.
Designed to fire 9mm rounds, this type of firearm bears similarities to those linked to high-profile shooting incidents, including the one that resulted in Thompson’s death. The Biden administration has highlighted the ease of access to ghost guns, noting that assembling them is “ridiculously easy.” Until recently, individuals could purchase necessary components online without undergoing a background check, with some assembly guides available that allow for the construction of a fully operational gun in under an hour.
The Scope of the Problem
Experts identify ghost guns as a rapidly escalating challenge within the realm of gun violence in the U.S. Their use in criminal acts is becoming more prominent. Statistics from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) indicate that law enforcement agencies reported seizing approximately 20,000 suspected ghost guns during criminal investigations in 2022—a stark increase compared to previous years.
Without serial numbers, tracing the origin of these weapons becomes nearly impossible, complicating efforts to investigate illegal sales, particularly to minors or unlicensed individuals. Juliette Kayyem, a former policy assistant at the Department of Homeland Security, expressed skepticism regarding whether societal perceptions would shift following the tragic death of Thompson. She noted that the existing landscape of gun violence in America presents significant challenges to initiating new restrictions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that over 48,000 firearm-related deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2022, underscoring a larger issue of gun safety and regulation.
Regulatory Measures for Ghost Guns
The recent killing has intensified the focus on ghost guns, prompting the Biden administration to push for regulations that treat these firearms similarly to traditional weapons. Current legislation mandates that manufacturers of ghost gun kits include serial numbers and conduct background checks for buyers.
The U.S. Supreme Court has indicated a potential willingness to support the new rules, despite challenges from gun rights advocates who argue that regulatory efforts exceed existing legal frameworks. A decision affirming the ATF’s regulations could represent a significant moment for the Supreme Court, which features a conservative majority generally hesitant about imposing gun control measures.
Furthermore, on a broader scale, President-elect Donald Trump has positioned himself as a champion of the Second Amendment, emphasizing his commitment to protecting gun rights and aligning himself with organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Source
www.bbc.com