The recent shooting incident involving a ghost gun has sparked renewed debates on firearm regulations, with experts highlighting the challenges of addressing this growing safety concern.
Understanding Ghost Guns: The Weapon Connected to the NYC Executive's Death
Understanding Ghost Guns: The Weapon Connected to the NYC Executive's Death
The rise of ghost guns and their implications for gun safety in the U.S. are highlighted following the tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, attention has turned to the weapon allegedly involved: a so-called ghost gun. Investigators reported that the firearm, reportedly recovered from suspect Luigi Mangione, may have been assembled at home and potentially created using a 3D printer. However, confirmation of its specifications will be determined through ballistic testing.
Ghost guns are defined as firearms that can be put together at home, using kits or spare parts, and they generally lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. The police described the weapon found with Mangione as a "semi-automatic pistol" featuring a 3D-printed receiver, capable of firing 9mm rounds, consistent with the weapon used in Thompson's fatal shooting. Recently, President Biden's administration described ghost guns as "ridiculously easy" to assemble, raising concerns about their accessibility.
The proliferation of ghost guns is becoming a pressing issue in the U.S., with advocacy groups labeling them as the "fastest growing gun safety problem." The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that law enforcement discovered around 20,000 suspected ghost guns in 2022 alone, a tenfold increase since 2016. This sharp rise has made it increasingly challenging for authorities to track the illegal sale of these untraceable firearms, particularly to minors and those without licenses.
Despite the alarming statistics, some experts express doubt that high-profile incidents like Thompson's murder will shift public opinion or lead to significant changes in regulatory approaches. Juliette Kayyem, a former assistant secretary for policy at the Department of Homeland Security, characterized ghost guns as a complicated aspect of America’s ongoing struggle with gun violence.
Recent measures proposed by the Biden administration aim to regulate ghost guns similarly to traditional firearms. Following these measures, manufacturers of ghost gun kits are now required to include serial numbers on their products and conduct background checks before sales. In October, the U.S. Supreme Court indicated support for these regulations, previously challenged by gun rights groups claiming that the government was overreaching its legislative authority.
This evolving landscape of ghost gun regulation stands in stark contrast to the deep-rooted support for the Second Amendment, championed by figures such as former President Donald Trump, who has openly opposed additional gun control measures. The ongoing debate surrounding ghost guns and overall gun violence continues to be an essential and contentious issue within American society.
