Recent reports indicate a significant spike in the recovery of 3D-printed firearms at crime scenes across the U.S., raising alarms among gun safety advocates and law enforcement officials. At a summit held in New York City, industry leaders, academics, and policymakers gathered to discuss the potential consequences of this growing trend.
Firearms produced through 3D printing technology offer new challenges due to their untraceability, as these weapons can be produced without serial numbers and evade existing background checks. As the technology becomes cheaper and more sophisticated, accompanied by readily available blueprints online, experts fear the emergence of unregulated, homemade firearms could lead to further violence on American streets.
Data from Everytown for Gun Safety reveals a troubling escalation: just over 30 reported recoveries of 3D-printed guns in 2020 ballooned to over 300 by 2024. While this number is small in comparison to the total weapons seized annually, the accelerating growth trajectory resembles that of ghost guns - weapons assembled from kits that have historically eluded regulation.
“We are witnessing a strikingly familiar pattern,” remarked Nick Suplina, Senior VP of Everytown. “The recoveries in major cities are increasing at alarming rates while the laws to curb them remain limited.”
In light of this emerging crisis, the ATF has already implemented rules targeting ghost-gun kits, requiring serial numbers and background checks, a legal framework bolstered by recent Supreme Court decisions. However, the same level of oversight does not extend to 3D-printed guns since they bypass traditional manufacturing and sales channels that regulators can monitor.
The summit aims not only to address legislative measures that can restrict the production of such firearms but also promote self-regulation within technology manufacturers and digital platforms hosting gun blueprints. Initiatives include manufacturers like Print&Go committing to implement systems that detect and prevent illegal weapons production.
In the ongoing battle against these untraceable firearms, proactive communication and collaboration between law enforcement, advocacy groups, and technology companies appears to be a promising path forward, allowing society to maintain the functional usefulness of 3D printing technology while mitigating its potential for misuse.
