What to know about ghost guns, the type of untraceable firearm CEO Brian Thompson’s shooter may have used
Luigi Mangione, suspect questioned in connection with shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian ThompsonPolice said Monday that he was in possession of a “ghost gun,” a type of firearm that could be made at home.
Mangione was detained A celebration was held at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday, a week after Thompson was killed in New York City. Thompson was shot in the back and calf.
NYPD Detective Joseph Kenny said: “The information we have so far from Altoona is that the gun appears to be a ghost gun, possibly made with a 3D printer, capable of firing 9 mm bullet.” Monday. “Obviously, this will be confirmed in our ballistic tests.”
During the investigation, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation told CBS News that police believe the suspect used B&T Station 6 gun to shoot. Investigators visited gun dealers in Connecticut during the search. The gun used in the shooting had a long barrel and a Unique appearanceCBS News’ Anna Schechter reports. As well as the unusual gun, the words “Delay,” “Denial” and possibly “Abolition” also appear on shell casings and bullets Police said they have recovered from the scene of the shooting.
What is a ghost gun?
one privately manufactured firearmsA “ghost gun,” as it is often called, is a firearm that is assembled or finished by someone other than a licensed manufacturer, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
They don’t have serial numbers, which makes them difficult to track. Not all ghost guns are illegal, and not all guns require a serial number. Ghost guns can be pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, etc.
From 2016 to 2021, the ATF reported that police recovered more than 45,000 suspected ghost guns from potential crime scenes.
How do people usually make ghost guns?
The ghost gun can be made using a 3D printer or assembled from a kit. According to CBS News, the weapons cost less than $200 to produce, but officials put the average price at around $500 reported before.
In 2018, CBS News reporter Carter Evans was able to Buy a kit Similar to the Glock 9mm, there is no background check or waiting period required. Online kits are available for a variety of firearms, from handguns to AR-15s and AK-47s.
“You can buy a box of gun parts and put the guns together. I’ve seen videos on YouTube and you can see people doing it in record time – 20, 30 minutes,” ATF Acting Director Marvin Richardson 2022, previously explain.
Are ghost guns illegal?
Not all ghost guns are illegal. According to the ATF, individuals can use 3D printing or other processes to manufacture their own firearms if the firearm is “detectable” as defined by the Gun Control Act.
It is generally legal to manufacture a firearm for personal use without a license, According to ATF.
Some states, including New York, where the Thompson shooting occurred, have additional laws related to ghost guns.
What does a ghost gun look like?
There are many types of ghost guns with different appearances. The ATF lists 10 categories of privately manufactured firearms: pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, bolts or receivers, machine gun conversion devices, destructive devices, machine guns, firearm silencers and any other weapon.