Rise in 3D-Printed Gun Crimes: UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Shooting & Global Impact

TL/DR –

The use of 3D-printed guns in criminal activities is on the rise, with the suspected shooter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson allegedly using one. These “ghost guns,” difficult to trace and either partially or completely 3D printed, are increasing, with police seizures and arrests connected to 3D-printed guns notably escalating between 2017 and 2021. Laws and regulations vary significantly by country and state, with the U.S. Supreme Court currently considering the legality of federal restrictions on these firearms, and various countries have different rules on possession, manufacture, and sale of these weapons.

Use of Untraceable 3D-Printed Firearms Raises Concerns in High-Profile Crimes

Following the December 4, 2024, shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police revealed the suspected assailant used a 3D-printed gun, a form of weapon that’s seen increased use in high-profile crimes in recent years. Often termed “ghost guns” due to their challenging traceability, these firearms are created using commercially available 3D printers. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently assessing the legality of current federal restrictions on these firearms.

The first known criminal case involving a 3D-printed gun led to the 2013 arrest of a man in the U.K. Global law enforcement agencies have since reported an escalating number of these weapons. Research reveals the use of these weapons in criminal activity is likely to continue rising, posing significant challenges for government and police regulation efforts.

Escalation in Arrests and Seizures

There’s been a rapid increase in arrests and seizures related to 3D-printed guns. Between 2017 and 2021, U.S. law enforcement agencies seized almost 38,000 suspected ghost guns, according to a 2024 report. In 2021 alone, 19,273 suspected ghost guns were traced, marking a significant rise from 8,504 in 2020. Additionally, the number of confiscated 3D-printed guns surged in New York state from 100 in 2019 to 637 in 2022.

Arrests associated with 3D-printed guns are also climbing. Globally, there were 108 arrests in the first half of 2023, compared to 66 arrests throughout 2022. North America led in 3D-printed gun-related arrests, with 166 cases from 2013 to mid-2023. Europe followed with 48 arrests, and Oceania was third with 24 arrests. The U.S. accounted for 36% of total global arrests related to 3D-printed firearms in 2023, closely trailed by Canada at 34%.

Rising Global Security Threat

Efforts to acquire or manufacture 3D-printed firearms often have links to violent plans. Various groups such as far-right extremists, jihadists, organized crime groups in Europe, and pro-democracy rebels in Myanmar have used these weapons. From 2019 to mid-2022, at least nine documented cases in Europe and Australia involved extremists or paramilitary groups attempting to create firearms using 3D-printing technology. An analysis of 165 cases of 3D-printed firearms from 2013 to mid-2024 revealed that 15% were linked to terrorism.

Diverse Legal Approaches Worldwide

The legal stance on 3D-printed guns varies globally. The untraceable nature of these homemade firearms makes them appealing to criminals. In Japan, unauthorized firearm production, including 3D-printed guns, is strictly prohibited, and in 2014, a man faced two years in prison for producing them. As of 2023, Canada effectively banned ghost guns. Meanwhile, 3D-printed firearms are broadly prohibited in the European Union, though regulations differ among countries.

Regulating Ghost Guns in the US

The U.S. Constitution presents unique challenges in regulating ghost guns. Current federal law, under review by the Supreme Court, requires 3D-printed guns to meet certain guidelines. Meanwhile, state-level regulations vary. As of November 2024, 15 U.S. states have established regulations on ghost guns. Despite evolving rules and advancing technology, 3D-printed firearms continue to pose public safety threats and present regulatory challenges for governments.

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