NYPD Inspector Courtney Nilan from the Intelligence Division has identified the type of handgun used in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as a 3D-printed ghost gun. Nilan, who has been battling the rise of ghost guns, recognized the unique design of the firearm used by suspect Luigi Mangione. The ability to print 90% of a firearm with accessories has made ghost guns a major problem for law enforcement.
Mangione allegedly used a 3D-printed suppressor on the gun, which may have contributed to a malfunction that morning. Nilan’s team is working to trace the design used to make the gun and determine if Mangione made it himself. The rise of 3D-printed ghost guns has presented a challenge for investigators as various designs are shared online, leading to a mounting battle against illegal firearms.
Nilan has seen a rise in ghost guns recovered by the NYPD, from four in 2022 to 110 in 2024. She hopes for legislation to make downloading files to create 3D-printed guns illegal to prevent further tragedies like Thompson’s assassination. Nilan’s expertise in identifying and combating ghost guns has become crucial in addressing the evolving dangers posed by these untraceable firearms.
Source
Photo credit www.amny.com