The targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, has cast a national spotlight on the use of “ghost guns”—untraceable firearms assembled from parts without serial numbers. These weapons, sometimes partially crafted using 3D printers, present significant challenges to law enforcement due to their lack of traceability. They can also be quite dangerous to users and those around them if not constructed properly.

The Weapon: A 3D-Printed Ghost Gun

On December 9th, 2024, authorities apprehended 26-year-old Luigi Mangione in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in connection with Thompson‘s murder. At the time of his arrest, Mangione was in possession of a 9mm ghost gun equipped with a suppressor; both were believed to have been produced largely using 3D printing technology. The New York Police Department (NYPD) noted that the weapon found on Mangione was “consistent with” the one used in the New York City shooting. A Glock magazine and some 9mm rounds were recovered from the suspect as well.

Police in Pennsylvania stated the weapon had a metal slide, a plastic frame, and a threaded metal barrel.

Printed pistol
A 3D printed FMDA 19.2 Image Credit: Reddit

Ghost guns are privately made firearms lacking serial numbers, making them nearly impossible to trace. They can be assembled from kits or created using 3D printers, allowing individuals to bypass traditional background checks and regulations.

The weapon found with Mangione is (according to 404 Media and other sources) suspected to be a 3D-printed model known as the Chairmanwon V1, a modified version of the FMDA 19.2 Glock design.

This design, introduced by the group Deterrence Dispensed (now operating as the Gatalog), has gained popularity within the 3D-printed firearms community for its reliability and ease of assembly. The FMDA 19.2 is also known as the “DD19”.

SOFREP CEO and Editor-in-Chief, former Navy SEAL, and author of the best-selling book The Killing School, Brandon Webb,  gets a gold star for predicting the pistol used in the killing was a Glock. While it wasn’t a Glock per se, the Glock clone ghost gun is about as close as you can get looks-wise.

Also earning bonus points today is SOFREP contributor, former Green Beret, and CIA case officer James Stejskal. After watching the video of the shooting several times, he tells us:

“His suppressor didn’t fit well, and/or he didn’t have a booster and anytime the barrel is not fixed, you need a specifically designed can or a booster. That’s why he had to manually cycle the weapon. It didn’t fully reset/reload.” 

According to The New York Times, both the frame of the pistol and the suppressor had been made using a 3D printer. Many ghost guns are cobbled together from cheap kits. It is rare to find one made largely by a 3D printer.

To quote Tom Chittum, who used to be associate deputy director of the ATF (US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), it is rare to recover a 3D Printed firearm that was used in a crime.

Mr. Chittum went on to tell the Times:

“If the gun used in the New York assassination really was 3D printed, it would certainly be the highest profile crime ever committed with one.” 

The Suppressor: Stealth in Design

The suppressor attached to the firearm was also 3D-printed. Suppressors, commonly known as silencers, reduce the noise and muzzle flash generated by gunfire. The integration of a 3D-printed suppressor suggests a deliberate effort to minimize detection during the attack.

But, you may be thinking, are 3D printed suppressors legal? That’s not a straight yes or no answer. Delaware, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have banned the 3D printing of firearms, which likely includes suppressors. Other states, like California, require 3D-printed firearms (and potentially suppressors) to be serialized and detectable.

So, 3D-printed suppressors are not inherently illegal in the United States, but they are subject to the same strict regulations as traditional suppressors.

Federal Regulations

  1. 3D-printed suppressors are legal to own and manufacture, provided you follow all federal, state, and local laws.
  2. They are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) like any other suppressor.
    • To legally manufacture or possess a 3D printed suppressor, you must: File a Form 1 with the ATF and receive approval before manufacturing
    • Pay a $200 tax stamp for each suppressor
    • Comply with the Gun Control Act, ensuring the suppressor is detectable by security screening equipment.

I’m not certain, but I’m guessing Mr. Mangione did not do all of the above.

Implications and Concerns

The use of a 3D-printed ghost gun in such a high-profile crime highlights the growing accessibility and sophistication of homemade firearms. These weapons circumvent standard gun control measures, posing significant challenges to law enforcement agencies. The incident has intensified debates over the regulation of ghost guns, with advocates calling for stricter controls to prevent their proliferation.

Conclusion

The murder of Brian Thompson with a 3D-printed ghost gun and suppressor brings to light this legally confusing area of firearms laws and the challenges it presents to public safety. As 3D printing technology advances, the production of untraceable weapons becomes more accessible and forces us to look at the future of these homemade firearms.

You’ll notice I used the word “untraceable” and not “undetectable.” The Undetectable Firearms Act mandates that ALL firearms contain at least 3.7 ounces of metal to be detectable by security equipment.

These recent developments are likely to spark a new national conversation regarding do-it-yourself weapons.

What are your thoughts on ghost guns? Please let me know in the comments.