Legislation seeks to ban 3D printed guns

A group of Democratic legislators recently reintroduced a bill prohibiting the online distribution of blueprints and instructions enabling the printing of three dimensional (3D) firearms.

The bicameral 3D Printed Gun Safety Act was introduced by U.S. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) joined U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Bradley Schneider (D-IL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), and Val B. Demings (D-FL).

The legislators argue that the guns may evade detection by metal detectors at security checkpoints, increasing the risk a firearm will be used to perpetrate violence on an airplane or in another area where people congregate.

“With no background check required, untraceable and undetectable 3D printed guns serve as the ultimate gun-acquisition loophole,” Markey said. “With the click of a mouse, anyone can download a computer file and use a 3D printer to manufacture a semi-automatic weapon. We cannot allow the online availability of downloadable firearms to add fuel to the fire that already is a massive gun violence public safety crisis. I thank Sen. Menendez and Congressman Deutch for their tremendous partnership on this legislation that will help close a major safety loophole.”

The bill would make it illegal to distribute online digital files automatically programming a 3D printer to produce or complete the manufacture of a firearm.

“With the click of a mouse, anyone with an internet connection and a 3D printer essentially has a license to print, shoot and kill,” Menendez said. “Undetectable and untraceable 3D printed guns allow criminals to circumvent law enforcement and commit crimes. That’s why we must close the ‘3D Gun Loophole’ that allows dangerous individuals to exploit gaps in existing law to manufacture firearms at home they cannot otherwise legally obtain.”