The police investigation into the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has shed new light on the rising threat of homemade firearms, including those made using 3D printers. The gun found at the crime scene was allegedly manufactured from a design available online, sparking questions about the proliferation of these “ghost guns” and their potential use in high-profile crimes.
A 3D-printed firearm can be created by modifying an existing design or purchasing one online, making it difficult for authorities to detect and track. The police found that the gun was not entirely made from 3D-printed parts, but rather had metal components such as a slide and barrel that were not produced by the printer.
The designer of the gun, Chairmanwon, claimed that his unique design featured stippling on the grip, which can be linked to his online pseudonym. The pistol’s magazine was store-bought, suggesting that some components are still sourced from commercial suppliers.
Laws governing homemade 3D-printed firearms vary by state, but experts warn that these guns pose a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies. Cody Wilson, founder of Defense Distributed, stated that the high-profile nature of the killing has reoriented public perception on 3D-printed firearms.
The small community of enthusiasts designing and building 3D-printed firearms often overlaps with Second Amendment advocates and tech-savvy individuals. However, some have criticized these groups for promoting designs that can be used in crimes.
As authorities struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of homemade firearms, experts emphasize the need for effective regulation and control measures. “Three-D-printed weapons can be fabricated and assembled by individuals with little or no technical expertise,” noted Matt Schroeder, a senior researcher at the Small Arms Survey.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/12/us/unitedhealthcare-luigi-mangione-gun.html