Luigi Mangione Case Highlights Risks of 3D-Printed Guns

Luigi Mangione’s case has brought attention to the dangers of 3D-printed firearms. He is accused of using a 3D-printed gun in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. These firearms, often called "ghost guns," are created using 3D printers and lack serial numbers, making them nearly impossible to trace.

The use of 3D-printed guns in criminal activities is rising worldwide. The first documented case was reported in the UK in 2013. In the U.S., nearly 38,000 ghost guns were seized between 2017 and 2021. In 2021 alone, more than 19,000 were traced, a sharp increase from 8,500 in 2020. This trend highlights the growing popularity of these weapons among criminals.

Globally, North America has the highest number of arrests related to ghost guns, followed by Europe and Oceania. Many of these cases involve extremist groups and organized crime. Between 2019 and 2022, at least nine cases in Europe and Australia linked 3D-printed guns to extremist groups or paramilitary organizations.

Countries are taking different steps to address this issue. Japan has strict bans on unauthorized firearm production, including 3D-printed guns. Canada banned ghost guns in 2023, while Australia has made it illegal to possess blueprints for these firearms. In the UK, new laws prohibit the production and possession of 3D-printed gun parts. However, in the U.S., legal challenges arise due to constitutional protections, and personal production of ghost guns remains allowed.

As technology advances, the risks associated with 3D-printed firearms continue to grow. This case highlights the need for stronger regulations and global cooperation to tackle the challenges posed by untraceable weapons.