Authorities Seek Assistance from 3D Printing Sector to Combat Illegal Weapon Modifications

The Justice Department is enlisting the help of the 3D-printing industry to combat the growing issue of tiny plastic components being used to convert firearms into illegal homemade machine guns in the United States. U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the urgent need to address the proliferation of these machine gun conversion devices, calling for collaborative efforts from various sectors to tackle the problem.

During a meeting in Washington, Monaco highlighted the importance of engaging with software developers, technology experts, and leaders in the 3D-printing field to develop solutions to prevent criminals from exploiting technology to create these illegal devices. Steve Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, noted a significant increase in the number of conversion devices seized by police departments between 2017 and 2021, attributing this rise to advancements in 3D-printing technology.

These conversion devices, though small, are classified as illegal machine guns under federal law and present a challenge for law enforcement due to their potential to go undetected. Instances of these devices being used in mass shootings have underscored the severity of the issue, with Monaco emphasizing that they can turn ordinary street corners into war zones, causing widespread devastation within communities.

Monaco also announced additional measures aimed at combating the proliferation of machine gun conversion devices, including a national training program for law enforcement and prosecutors and the establishment of a committee to monitor trends and gather intelligence on the issue. Efforts are being made to address the threat posed by these devices and prevent further tragedies resulting from their misuse.