The rise of 3D-printed firearms has reached a troubling peak, highlighted by the recent arrest of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York. The police report that Mangione was armed with a 3D-printed “ghost gun” known as the FMDA, or “Free Men Don’t Ask,” a model released by a libertarian group.
This incident marks a significant moment in the history of DIY firearms, as the FMDA model has improved drastically since the early days of 3D-printed weapons. The gun identified as used in the shooting is a remix called the Chairmanwon V1, which is a variant of the widely recognized FMDA 19.2 design, introduced in 2021. This model is notable not only for its functionality but also for its association with a political ideology that champions unregulated gun ownership.
The FMDA 19.2 has proven itself to be a reliable firearm, capable of withstanding hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds fired. Experts in the DIY gunsmithing community have noted the ease with which such weapons can be constructed, suggesting that individuals don’t need to be seasoned gun experts to assemble and operate them. Unlike fully 3D-printed guns that may have limited reliability, the FMDA design incorporates commercially produced components, enhancing its practicality and durability.
Following his arrest, authorities discovered a handwritten manifesto on Mangione that criticized UnitedHealthcare’s practices and the broader U.S. health insurance industry. This includes bullet casings from the shooting site, marked with terms like “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” possibly reflecting Mangione’s sentiments regarding the healthcare sector.
While it remains unclear if Mangione’s use of a 3D-printed firearm was a deliberate political statement or a means to minimize detection, the incident underscores the rapid advancements in the technology surrounding DIY firearms, which continues to elude regulatory measures. As 3D printing technology becomes more accessible, the potential for untraceable firearms becomes increasingly tangible.
This case represents not only a tragic outcome but also a critical moment for discussions surrounding gun control, technology, and public safety in the United States. The implications of Mangione’s actions and the weapons he chose are likely to fuel ongoing debates about the intersection of technology and regulation in the firearms sector.
