UnitedHealthcare CEO murdered with 3D-printed ghost gun

In recent years, the United States has experienced a rise in the use of ghost guns, which are firearms that lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. This trend has prompted serious concerns among law enforcement officials. In Philadelphia, police data shows that approximately 9% of the 6,000 crime guns recovered in 2022 and 2023 were identified as ghost guns. As of 2024, this proportion has slightly decreased to about 7.5%, with around 400 ghost guns recovered from a total of 5,200 crime guns. Ghost guns can be assembled from parts purchased online, often legally, giving individuals an easy way to circumvent traditional firearm regulations. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reports that while most people assembling these firearms do so legally, the issue arises when individuals with criminal intentions create and use them. The versatility of ghost guns, particularly when 3D printers are involved in manufacturing parts, has made it increasingly challenging for law enforcement to track illegal firearm use. This correlates strongly with the increasing crime rates in urban areas across the country. Earlier this year, the city of Philadelphia reached a settlement with two major suppliers of ghost guns. These companies agreed to halt their sales, both online and in stores, within the city for four years and at gun shows for two years. Advocates for gun safety, like David Pucino from the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, have noted the alarming rise in the presence of ghost guns on streets in major cities and hailed the settlement as a necessary step. According to legal experts, this development reflects a growing awareness among lawmakers and lawmakers about the necessity to introduce regulations concerning privately made firearms. As of now, 15 states, including New Jersey and Delaware, have enacted laws regarding ghost guns. The increase in legislative measures comes in response to heightened concerns surrounding public safety and illegal firearm use. Community leaders are pressing for similar restrictions to be adopted more broadly to combat the rise of ghost guns, reported to contribute significantly to the current gun violence crisis in the United States. With future regulations potentially on the horizon, the public debate over the legality and safety of ghost guns continues to intensify.