The Ghost Gun Phenomenon: A Legal Conundrum

Recent Murder Shakes the Nation

On a chilling night in December 2024, the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson, rocked not only the UnitedHealthcare’s board-room, but the entire nation. The alleged murder weapon? A ghost gun. Astonishingly, these untraceable firearms are rapidly becoming common perpetrators at crime scenes.

Understanding the Ghost Gun

A ghost gun is a homemade firearm devoid of a serial number, typically made from parts that can be purchased freely and assembled at home. Due to the absence of a serial number, these weapons prove notoriously troublesome to trace back to their maker and are, thus, the perfect tool for crime. Police suspect that the weapon used to murder Thompson was printed at home with a 3D printer, capable of firing 9mm rounds.

Are Ghost Guns Legal?

Several states in the US permit the manufacture of firearms for personal use. However, until recently, ghost gun kits were readily accessible and could be purchased online without background checks or age verification. This leniency changed approximately two years ago when the Biden administration implemented age requirements and background checks. This move was prompted by the increasing presence of ghost guns at crime scenes. The purchase of a ghost gun kit is now akin to buying a regular gun at a shop.

In Court: Debates Around Ghost Guns

These legislative changes, albeit necessary for public safety, were not received unanimously. Gun groups have been fervent in their stance against regulation, battling it out in court. In fact, a case regarding these firearms was brought before the Supreme Court in October, with a ruling expected soon.

The Increasing Use of Ghost Guns in Crimes

Justice Department data reveals a worrying trend: the number of ghost guns retrieved by law enforcement leapt from 4,000 in 2018 to approximately 20,000 in 2021. Despite this increase, it’s important to note that crimes using traditional firearms continue to vastly outnumber those involving ghost guns. This doesn’t detract from the fact that these untraceable weapons are becoming a more prominent public safety concern.

Cases That Shocked the Nation

Public awareness of ghost guns surged in 2013, when John Zawahri staged a deadly assault on the Santa Monica College campus in California. He used a homemade AR-15-style firearm that he was able to assemble after failing a background check. Fast forward to 2017, a serial killer in Northern California built his weapon to evade a court order barring him from owning firearms. More recently, a shooting involving a ghost gun critically injured two kindergartners at a religious school in Northern California. This incident clearly highlights the dangers these anonymous weapons pose to society.

The Future of Ghost Guns

The UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder draws attention again to the pressing need to regulate ghost guns. While legislative changes restricting access might have resulted in a minor decrease in ghost gun production, it’s crucial that law enforcement, policymakers, and communities remain vigilant to continue this downward trend. As the Supreme Court gears up to make a landmark judgment pertaining to these firearms, the future of ghost guns hangs in the balance.

Originally Post From https://www.voanews.com/a/unitedhealthcare-ceo-was-likely-killed-with-a-ghost-gun-that-can-be-made-at-home-/7894581.html

UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Tragic End Linked to Home-Made Ghost Gun