Emerging Threat of 3D-Printed Firearms: Law Enforcement and Advocates Unite

Thu Oct 16 2025 21:14:39 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the issue of 3D-printed firearms escalates in the U.S., gun safety advocates and law enforcement officials gather in New York City to address the rising concern over untraceable weapons and their implications for public safety.

A summit hosted by Everytown for Gun Safety in New York highlights the increasing prevalence of 3D-printed firearms, which could soon outpace ghost guns in illicit use. The dangers these weapons pose, alongside challenges surrounding regulation and prevention, spark discussions among policymakers, academics, and industry leaders as the fight against untraceable firearms intensifies.

As police departments across the United States report a concerning increase in the number of 3D-printed firearms recovered at crime scenes, gun safety advocates and law enforcement personnel are sounding alarms about the potential rise of untraceable weapons that could soon surpass the prevalence of 'ghost guns' already present on the streets.

During a significant summit held in New York City, the advocacy organization Everytown for Gun Safety convened a diverse group of participants, including policymakers, academics, and leaders from the 3D-printing industry, to discuss this pressing issue. Concerns were raised about the declining costs and growing sophistication of 3D printers, along with the swift dissemination of blueprints for gun components online. This convergence could lead the nation towards a surge of unregulated, homemade firearms that escape conventional tracking methods like serial numbers and background checks.

Everytown's data indicates that the problem is escalating rapidly — over 300 3D-printed guns were seized in 2024 alone, up from just over 30 in 2020. Although these figures represent a small fraction compared to the tens of thousands of firearms confiscated annually by nearly 18,000 police departments nationwide, the trend closely resembles the early growth stages of ghost guns, which historically avoided federal oversight.

Nick Suplina, Senior Vice President of Law and Policy at Everytown, noted the alarming doubling and tripling of recoveries within major urban centers, emphasizing that the momentum mirrors past experiences with ghost guns. He reinforced the urgency of mobilizing stakeholders to discuss proactive measures to combat this emerging crisis.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) had previously introduced regulations for ghost-gun kits, including requirements for serial numbers, age verification, and background checks. However, 3D-printed firearms present a more intricate challenge, as they fall outside the traditional firearms industry framework—posing significant difficulties for law enforcement in tracking, regulation, and prevention.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has taken initiative by urging printer manufacturers and online platforms to remove gun designs and strengthen preventative measures. His office has already successfully collaborated with YouTube to upgrade policies regarding tutorials on 3D printed firearms, reflecting a shift toward more proactive approaches to addressing the problem.

In addition to industry self-regulation discussions, the summit also emphasized the importance of legislative actions to potentially criminalize the sale of blueprints and prevent the manufacturing of ghost guns. Companies are responding positively to feedback, and some printer developers are creating firmware capable of identifying firearm component shapes and blocking production, drawing parallels to the safeguards implemented decades ago to prevent color printers from replicating currency.

3D-printing company officials like John Amin, founder and CEO of Print&Go, advocate for a balanced understanding that acknowledges the technology's potential while focusing on preventing misuse. He noted that implementing comprehensive checks to restrict illegal weapon production is both practical and necessary in avoiding demonization of innovative tools.