As police departments across the United States witness a notable increase in the recovery of 3D-printed firearms at crime scenes, gun safety advocates and law enforcement officials are sounding the alarm. They fear that these untraceable weapons could soon surpass the unregulated 'ghost guns' that have become a common issue on American streets. During a recent summit held in New York City, the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety convened with policymakers, scholars, industry leaders, and law enforcement to tackle this escalating crisis.
Data compiled from nearly two dozen police departments by Everytown illustrates a troubling trend: about 30 3D-printed guns were recovered in 2020, which alarmingly surged to over 300 by 2024. While this number is still a relatively small fraction compared to the tens of thousands of traditional firearms seized annually, the upward trajectory mirrors the early years of ghost guns—homemade weapons constructed from readily accessible kits that sidestep stringent federal regulations.
Nick Suplina, a senior vice president at Everytown, remarked, We're starting to witness a growth rate that's reminiscent of historical trends. It's a concerning pattern that has prompted us to gather and strategize on how to tackle this issue effectively.
In response to growing concerns, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) established new regulations in 2022 that require serial numbers, background checks, and age verification for ghost-gun kits. These regulations have endured scrutiny and challenges in courts, with significant progresses made including the dissolution of prominent manufacturers like Polymer80.
However, addressing the challenges posed by 3D-printed firearms is proving to be more complex. Unlike traditional firearms, 3D-printed guns are not produced or sold by recognized firearms manufacturers, placing them outside the ATF's regulatory reach. Consequently, responsibility for preventing misuse often falls to voluntary compliance and new legislation efforts.
The summit aims to explore these legislative avenues—potentially establishing laws that criminalize the manufacture and distribution of ghost guns and their blueprints. Additionally, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has actively approached printer manufacturers and online platforms to eliminate gun blueprints and implement misuse prevention strategies.
Emerging technologies present both challenges and opportunities. Some companies have developed firmware capable of detecting weapon shapes, preventing printers from producing illegal firearm components. The commitment of the print industry to proactively mitigate misuse showcases a collaborative approach essential to addressing this pressing public safety concern. John Amin, the CEO of a Spanish 3D printing firm, urged for balanced solutions, stating, We need to focus on preventing misuse without criminalizing the technology itself. We possess significant capability to do so already.
As discussions continue, stakeholders and communities alike must remain vigilant and engaged in shaping the future of firearm regulation in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Data compiled from nearly two dozen police departments by Everytown illustrates a troubling trend: about 30 3D-printed guns were recovered in 2020, which alarmingly surged to over 300 by 2024. While this number is still a relatively small fraction compared to the tens of thousands of traditional firearms seized annually, the upward trajectory mirrors the early years of ghost guns—homemade weapons constructed from readily accessible kits that sidestep stringent federal regulations.
Nick Suplina, a senior vice president at Everytown, remarked, We're starting to witness a growth rate that's reminiscent of historical trends. It's a concerning pattern that has prompted us to gather and strategize on how to tackle this issue effectively.
In response to growing concerns, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) established new regulations in 2022 that require serial numbers, background checks, and age verification for ghost-gun kits. These regulations have endured scrutiny and challenges in courts, with significant progresses made including the dissolution of prominent manufacturers like Polymer80.
However, addressing the challenges posed by 3D-printed firearms is proving to be more complex. Unlike traditional firearms, 3D-printed guns are not produced or sold by recognized firearms manufacturers, placing them outside the ATF's regulatory reach. Consequently, responsibility for preventing misuse often falls to voluntary compliance and new legislation efforts.
The summit aims to explore these legislative avenues—potentially establishing laws that criminalize the manufacture and distribution of ghost guns and their blueprints. Additionally, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has actively approached printer manufacturers and online platforms to eliminate gun blueprints and implement misuse prevention strategies.
Emerging technologies present both challenges and opportunities. Some companies have developed firmware capable of detecting weapon shapes, preventing printers from producing illegal firearm components. The commitment of the print industry to proactively mitigate misuse showcases a collaborative approach essential to addressing this pressing public safety concern. John Amin, the CEO of a Spanish 3D printing firm, urged for balanced solutions, stating, We need to focus on preventing misuse without criminalizing the technology itself. We possess significant capability to do so already.
As discussions continue, stakeholders and communities alike must remain vigilant and engaged in shaping the future of firearm regulation in this rapidly evolving landscape.
