Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting Arrested, Ghost Gun Recovered
In a shocking development, Luigi Mangione, 26, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. NYPD officials report that Mangione was found carrying a black handgun, possibly 3D-printed, equipped with a suppressor.
The weapon, described as a “ghost gun,” has raised concerns among law enforcement. These firearms, typically assembled by owners using parts sourced online, lack serial numbers and bypass traditional background checks, making them untraceable.
NYPD’s chief of detectives suggested the possibility that the gun was 3D-printed, though investigations are ongoing to determine whether Mangione printed the parts himself or purchased them. It remains unclear if this specific weapon was used in the shooting.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating ghost guns amid contentious gun control debates in the United States. While 3D printing of firearms and parts is generally legal, regulations vary by state. New Jersey, for instance, requires a federal license for assembling 3D-printed guns.
Many 3D-printed gun kits are legally available online, often focusing on the lower receiver – a crucial component that typically requires federal background checks. The Biden administration’s recent attempts to introduce regulations mandating serial numbers for gun kits have faced legal challenges.
Mangione’s background adds a layer of complexity to the case. A former valedictorian and University of Pennsylvania graduate, he reportedly suffered from severe back pain following a 2022 surfing accident. He underwent surgery for spondylolisthesis, though its success is uncertain. Friends report alarming spine scans shared by Mangione, indicating potential complications.
Investigators note that Mangione had disappeared from contact with friends and family over the summer, with his activities unknown for approximately six months leading up to the incident.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events leading to this tragic shooting and the role of the recovered ghost gun in the crime.