In brief
A growing number of 3D-printed firearms are emerging in crime reports across the U.S., prompting gun safety advocates and law enforcement to convene in New York City. The advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety is leading discussions around potential legislative measures in response to this alarming trend. Recent statistics reveal a dramatic rise in the number of recovered 3D-printed guns, echoing early concerns related to ghost guns. The urgency of the situation is further intensified by the lack of regulations governing the 3D-printing industry, as lawmakers and industry leaders seek effective solutions to combat this burgeoning threat.
As police departments nationwide report a surge in the appearance of 3D-printed firearms at crime scenes, gun safety advocates are issuing warnings about a new generation of untraceable weapons that may soon outpace the prevalence of ghost guns currently seen on U.S. streets. On Thursday, a summit hosted by Everytown for Gun Safety in New York City aims to address this growing challenge by uniting policymakers, academics, 3D-printing industry professionals, and law enforcement officials. The concern stems from the declining costs and increasing sophistication of 3D printers, alongside the rapid dissemination of blueprints for gun parts online, which could lead to another wave of homemade firearms that evade regulation. Numbers gathered by Everytown indicate a troubling rise, with 30 cases of 3D-printed guns recovered in 2020 skyrocketing to over 300 by 2024. This trend mirrors the trajectory of ghost guns, previously unregulated firearms that can be assembled from kits. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, is proactively seeking industry cooperation, urging 3D-printer manufacturers and online platforms to remove gun design blueprints and strengthen safeguards to prevent misuse. As the summit convenes, the spotlight remains on how best to tackle this emerging threat amid a landscape of evolving technology and inadequate regulations.
