 "The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson marks the first known assassination in the United States involving a homemade 3D-printed firearm, raising concerns about the accessibility and regulation of such weapons. Image Credit: ABC News, UnitedHealthcare")
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has taken a dark technological twist, with authorities reporting the use of a 3D-printed “ghost” gun in the crime. This chilling development, reported by 404 Media, marks the first known assassination in the United States involving a homemade 3D-printed firearm, raising concerns about the accessibility and regulation of such weapons.
Police in Pennsylvania have arrested Luigi Mangione, a person of interest, who was found carrying an unlicensed firearm but has not been charged with the murder itself.
Mangione’s weapon has been identified by experts as a Chairmanwon V1, a 3D-printed Glock frame design. This revelation is stirring debate about the future of firearm regulations, as these untraceable, custom-made weapons—commonly called ghost guns—can be produced with relative ease using widely available resources.
What makes a 3D-printed gun?
Although described as a 3D-printed weapon, the firearm in question isn’t entirely manufactured using a printer. Experts explained that these guns typically feature hybrid designs, combining 3D-printed frames with traditional metal components like springs and tubing.
The Chairmanwon V1, identified as the model used, gained popularity when it was released in late 2020, but it has since been overtaken by updated versions. Its design files were shared online through platforms like Odysee, where contributors often accept cryptocurrency donations to support their work.
The V1’s brief popularity highlights the fast-paced evolution of 3D-printed weapons, which are now more sophisticated and reliable than their earlier iterations. This development has raised alarms globally, as such weapons have been linked to criminal activities and rebel movements in various regions, from Europe to Southeast Asia.
An ongoing investigation
Authorities and media outlets, including ABC and NBC, have shared images of the gun reportedly found with Mangione. Experts in the 3D-printing firearms community have compared these images with online references to confirm its origin. The weapon was also equipped with a suppressor and could fire 9mm rounds, adding to the 404 Media report.
While police are yet to confirm the direct use of the weapon in the murder, its discovery has led to renewed scrutiny of 3D-printed firearms. The investigation continues to examine Mangione’s involvement and whether this cutting-edge yet unregulated technology played a definitive role in Thompson’s tragic death.
A growing concern globally
The emergence of 3D-printed guns has sparked worldwide debates over regulation and safety. Initially dismissed as experimental novelties, these weapons are now highly functional and easily distributed through digital blueprints.
With cases like Thompson’s murder, the debate is likely to intensify, forcing authorities to address how these weapons are produced, shared, and used. As the technology advances, so too does the urgency to implement tighter controls to prevent future tragedies.
While platforms like Odysee, where the Chairmanwon designs were shared, have not commented on the case, the spotlight is now firmly on the murky world of DIY firearms—and the dangers it poses.