UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Tragic Death: How Long Until Biased Media Target Suppressors? ~ VIDEO

Opinion
Editor’s Note: There is no official confirmation that what we are seeing is an actual silencer.

The shocking and tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan with what appears to be a handgun with a silencer [unconfirmed] is making headlines.

While law enforcement works tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrator, it’s likely only a matter of time before anti-gun organizations and media outlets seize this incident to call for new bans—this time, on firearm suppressors.

Suppressors, also known as silencers, are already tightly regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), requiring extensive background checks, federal approval, and steep tax payments before purchase. Despite these regulations, anti-gun politicians and groups like Everytown for Gun Safety are likely to use this tragedy to push legislation like the HEAR Act, which seeks to ban suppressors entirely.

What Do Suppressors Actually Do?

Contrary to Hollywood’s portrayal, suppressors don’t make guns “whisper quiet.” A suppressor reduces the noise of a gunshot by about 20–35 decibels—similar to the protection provided by earmuffs or earplugs. This is an important distinction because their primary use is for hearing protection and safer shooting experiences, especially for hunters, sports shooters, and law-abiding gun owners.

Suppressors can also mitigate recoil and muzzle flinch, helping shooters improve accuracy and ensure ethical, well-placed shots while hunting. Far from being tools for criminals, they’re vital safety devices in many recreational and professional shooting environments.

Debunking Common Claims

The most common argument against suppressors is that they allow shooters to commit crimes undetected. However, there’s little evidence to support this claim:

1. Suppressors Aren’t Silent: Even with a suppressor, most firearms are still as loud as a jackhammer. In the Virginia Beach shooting cited by suppressor opponents, survivors described the sound as similar to a nail gun—not silent by any stretch.
2. Criminals Rarely Use Suppressors: According to data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), registered suppressors are rarely used in crimes. Criminals prefer unregulated, easily concealed weapons—not suppressors that leave a paper trail.
3. Public Safety Devices: Suppressors actually help reduce noise complaints near shooting ranges and hunting grounds, promoting better relationships between firearm enthusiasts and their communities.

The Real Target: Responsible Gun Owners

Suppressor bans, like many gun control proposals, disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens while doing little to curb crime. The misnamed HEAR Act, championed by figures like convicted Felon Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), proposes to ban these devices outright, framing them as tools for mass shooters.

But the reality is different: suppressors are safety devices with legitimate, lawful applications.

For example, the Virginia Beach shooting and other incidents are tragic but rare cases. Most suppressor owners use them for legal purposes, such as reducing hearing damage or improving shooting accuracy. Blanket bans on suppressors would punish millions of responsible gun owners for the actions of a few criminals—who likely bypass the law anyway.

Why We Need Rational Debate

Before jumping on the bandwagon of trending bans, it’s essential to ask: will this legislation actually prevent crime, or is it just another symbolic attack on the Second Amendment? Suppressors are already tightly regulated, and criminals who intend harm won’t be deterred by additional restrictions. Banning suppressors will only harm the millions of Americans who responsibly own and use these tools.

Let’s not allow this tragedy to become a scapegoat for misguided policy proposals. Instead, focus on enforcing existing laws and addressing real solutions to violent crime. It’s time to stop punishing law-abiding citizens for the actions of criminals.

Live Inventory Price Checker

	Elite Ifm7 Suppressor 7.62 Direct Thread - Elite Ifm7 Suppressor 7.62 Quick Detach Brown	Brownells.com	$ 1899.99 $ 1429.00
	Rugged Suppressors Surge 7.62 Modular Suppressor	Rainier Arms	$ 945.00
	Rugged Suppressors Flash Hider Front Cap, 5.56 All Rugged Rifle Suppressors - FC007	Palmetto State Armory	$ 86.99 $ 77.99
	Rugged Suppressors Flash Hider Front Cap, 5.56 All Rugged Rifle Suppressors - FC007	Palmetto State Armory	$ 91.99 $ 70.99

Does a Suppressed Pistol Sound like a Nail Gun?

About Tred Law

Tred Law is your everyday patriot with a deep love for this country and a no-compromise approach to the Second Amendment. He does not write articles for Ammoland every week, but when he does write, it is usually about liberals Fing with his right to keep and bear arms.