As police departments across the U.S. experience a troubling increase in crimes involving 3D-printed firearms, advocates for gun safety and law enforcement officials are raising alarms about the potential surge of untraceable weapons that could surpass the already alarming levels of 'ghost guns' on the streets.
A summit organized by Everytown for Gun Safety in New York City aims to gather policymakers, academics, and law enforcement leaders to discuss the rising threat and to brainstorm solutions. The group warns that as 3D printers become more accessible and sophisticated, coupled with the online availability of blueprints for gun parts, the U.S. may be heading towards an unprecedented wave of unregulated homemade weapons.
Data from Everytown indicates that police reported recovering just over 30 3D-printed guns in 2020. However, by 2024, this number had skyrocketed to over 300. Although this remains a small fraction of the tens of thousands of firearms seized yearly, the rapid increase mirrors earlier trends seen with ghost guns, which have historically evaded federal regulations.
“We now see alarming patterns reminiscent of what we faced with ghost guns," said Nick Suplina, senior vice president at Everytown. “The number of recoveries is doubling or tripling every year in certain major cities, highlighting the urgent need for discussion on preventive measures.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has introduced rules requiring serial numbers and background checks for ghost-gun kits—regulations recently upheld by the Supreme Court. Yet, 3D-printed weapons pose a distinct challenge as they are created outside of the conventional firearms manufacturing industry. This means that neither the manufacturers of 3D printers nor the platforms hosting gun blueprints fall under the ATF’s oversight.
At the summit, stakeholders will discuss how to enact voluntary industry regulations and legislative proposals aimed at criminalizing the manufacturing of ghost guns or the distribution of blueprints online. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been proactive in urging printer manufacturers and online platforms to remove gun designs and implement protective measures to combat misuse.
“Engaging in legal action without preemptive measures against creating these firearms would be a significant oversight,” Bragg stated. Thus far, companies have shown willingness to cooperate, with some introducing technology to detect and block the creation of gun parts. John Amin, CEO of the Spanish firm Print&Go, highlighted the importance of focusing on misuse prevention, stating, “We possess the capability to implement safeguards to regulate 3D printing without demonizing the technology itself.”
