Luigi Mangione had a ghost gun in his backpack during arrest. Here’s what they are

The 26-year-old has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, centre, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Dec. 4, 2024.THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

What is a ghost gun?

Basically, a ghost gun is any firearm constructed from home-made or store-bought parts. Some are sold in do-it-yourself kits, and the receivers — roughly speaking the housing for the various firing components — are typically made from metal or polymer. They can include semiautomatic handguns and rifles.

Why are they called ghost guns?

Licensed gun manufacturers are required to include a serial number on every gun they make. Ghost guns don’t have serial numbers, making them harder to trace and easier to move from place to place, like a ghost.

Brian Thompson
This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson.Photo by UnitedHealth Group /AP

How long have they been around?

Are they legal in the United States?

ghost gun
Surete du Quebec Sgt. Audrey-Ane Bilodeau shows one of the 3D printed ghost guns seized in Operation Centaure during a news conference in Montreal, June 21, 2023.Photo by Ryan Remiorz /THE CANADIAN PRESS

Are they legal in Canada?

Where and when have they been used?

Ghost gun
A 9mm pistol build kit with a commercial slide and barrel with a polymer frame is displayed before U.S. President Joe Biden speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House on April 11, 2022, to announces a final version of a ghost gun rule.Photo by Carolyn Kaster /The Associated Press

Are ghost guns a problem outside the United States?

David Pucino, deputy chief counsel at the Giffords Law Center, a gun-control advocacy group, added that in Western Europe, 3D printers have been used to make ghost guns.

With files from The Associated Press

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here.

Related Posts


This will close in 0 seconds