MAINE, USA — Gun safety advocates in Maine are renewing calls to ban ghost guns, following the recent high-profile killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City.
Investigators shared that accused shooter Luigi Mangione was arrested with a ghost gun in his possession, and they suspect it was made using a 3D printer, according to New York City Police Department. The incident has sparking renewed debate over the weapons' legality across the nation, including here in Maine.
Ghost guns are firearms that can be assembled at home using kits or 3D printers. They do not carry serial numbers, making them nearly impossible for law enforcement to trace. This lack of traceability is a growing concern for advocates, including Maine Gun Safety Coalition Executive Director Nacole Palmer.
“We want to see legislation that makes it completely illegal to own or sell ghost guns in the state of Maine,” Palmer told NEWS CENTER Maine.
Palmer emphasized that serial numbers are a critical tool for law enforcement to track firearms used in crimes. Without them, solving gun-related cases becomes significantly harder.
Not everyone agrees with Palmer’s stance. Joshua Raines, vice president of Gun Owners of Maine, argues that banning ghost guns will not address the root of gun violence.
"Just like any gun-control attempt, banning so-called 'ghost guns' does nothing to curb crime," he said in a statement. "Criminals who seek to use a firearm for evil do not care if they pass a background check, if they purchase a firearm illegally, or if the firearm they utilize doesn't have a serial number."
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, 15 U.S. states currently regulate ghost guns. Maine, however, does not.
In 2021, Maine lawmakers considered a bill to ban ghost guns, but it ultimately failed.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills appears open to addressing the issue.
"Current Maine law makes it a felony to possess or transport a firearm with an altered or obscured serial number," Ben Goodman, a spokesperson for the governor, shared in a statement. "The Governor would welcome a discussion about updating the existing statute to address the problem of firearms that do not carry a serial number."
Advocates like Palmer hope the renewed attention on the issue will lead to new legislation during the current session.