All About ‘Ghost Gun’ Used in the Fatal Shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

A 26-year-old suspect, Luigi Mangione, allegedly used a “ghost gun” to shoot and kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on December 4. The firearm, which can be made at home using a 3D printer or assembled from a kit, was recovered by police along with a black 3D-printed silencer.

What is a Ghost Gun?

A ghost gun is a privately made firearm that can be assembled by individuals other than licensed manufacturers, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). These firearms are difficult to track as they are made without serial numbers. However, not all ghost guns are considered illegal, and not all firearms in the US are required to have a serial number.

Ghost guns can be of any type, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, or machine guns. Between 2016 and 2021, over 45,000 suspected ghost guns were reported to the ATF, recovered by police from potential crime scenes.

How are Ghost Guns Made?

Ghost guns can be made using a 3D printer or assembled from a kit. The cost of making a ghost gun can be as low as $200, although officials estimate the average price to be around $500.

In the US, not all types of ghost guns are illegal. Individuals can make their own firearms using 3D printing or other processes if the gun is “detectable,” as per the Gun Control Act.

In the case of Luigi Mangione, police found a black 3D-printed pistol and silencer in his backpack, along with a loaded Glock magazine and a loose 9mm hollow point round. Mangione was detained at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday.

The use of a ghost gun in the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson has raised concerns about the ease of access to untraceable firearms and the potential for further violence.