Alleged CEO Shooter Possessed ‘Untraceable’ Gun
DENVER, DECEMBER 11, 2024 — Colorado Ceasefire, Colorado’s oldest grassroots gun violence prevention organization, today called on federal leaders to ban so-called ‘ghost guns’ after it was revealed that Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson, was apprehended with such a weapon in his possession.
A ghost gun is a do-it-yourself, homemade, untraceable firearm. These guns are made by an individual, not a federally licensed manufacturer or importer. Ghost guns are the fastest-growing gun safety problem facing our country, according to law enforcement experts. This high-profile shooting also comes as the Supreme Court prepares to rule in Garland v. VanDerStok, a case that will determine whether ATF can enforce the rule which regulates ghost gun components and kits like all other firearms.
“It’s high time Congress follows Colorado’s lead and takes action to get these dangerous guns and gun parts off America’s streets and out of the hands of criminals,” said Colorado Ceasefire Outreach Executive Director Adam Shore. “Even though Colorado has banned these weapons, we are still at risk from those brought here illegally from other states. As long as these guns are available anywhere, they are available everywhere.”
In June 2023, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill banning unserialized guns in Colorado. At the time, John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, said “ghost guns have been a dream come true for criminals, and a nightmare for law enforcement — but now Colorado legislators are taking action to get these untraceable weapons off the street, Colorado has shown the nation it’s possible to respond to gun violence with laws and action in addition to thoughts and prayers, and Governor Polis and state lawmakers are building on that legacy with this lifesaving bill.”
Despite the ban, ghost guns continue to pose a threat in Colorado. Just two weeks ago, a man was arrested in Greeley for firing 59 rounds into a bar he had just been told to leave, critically injuring a woman inside. Police said they found that the weapon used was an unserialized AR-15-type rifle.
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About Colorado Ceasefire
Colorado Ceasefire has led the fight against gun violence in Colorado since 2000. Our Legislative Action branch, a 501(c)4, has fought the gun lobby and has worked to pass more than thirty common-sense gun laws. Our Outreach branch, a 501(c)3, engages with Coloradans to promote gun violence awareness and prevention. Find out more and get involved at www.ColoradoCeasefire.org.
For more information, contact:
David Plank, Communications Director
Colorado Ceasefire
719-623-7639
davidplank@coloradoceasefire.org
