3D printed weapons, just like the one allegedly used to kill a healthcare CEO, are posing a growing threat within the United States and all over the world

Police investigating the December 4, 2024 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson have revealed that the alleged attacker did so used a 3D printed weapon. Several high-profile crimes In recent years these have been home-made or partially home-made weapons.

Often called “Ghost gunsBecause these firearms are difficult to detect, they could be made partially or entirely from components comprised of metal or plastic using commercially available 3D printers. The US Supreme Court is taking legality into consideration current federal restrictions on these firearms.

The first known criminal case The use of a 3D printed weapon led to the arrest of a British man in 2013. But since then, police all over the world have reported finding an increasing number of of those weapons.

My Research focuses on the economic and social impacts of advanced digital technologiesincluding 3D printing. I see that using 3D printed weapons in criminal and violent activities will likely proceed to extend. And it’ll likely turn out to be increasingly difficult for governments and police to manage these firearms.

Increase in arrests and seizures

Arrests and seizures related to 3D printed guns are increasing rapidly. Between 2017 and 2021, US law enforcement agencies seized and reported just about all cases 38,000 suspected ghost weaponsin response to a 2024 report from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In 2021 alone 19,273 suspected ghost weapons were traced, a major increase from 8,504 in 2020. In New York State alone, the variety of 3D printed guns seized increased dramatically 100 in 2019 to 637 in 2022.

Arrests related to 3D printed weapons are also increasing. The world recorded 108 arrests in the primary half of 2023in comparison with 66 arrests in all of 2022.

North America leads the country in arrests related to 3D printed guns, with 166 cases from 2013 to June 2023. Europe followed with 166 cases 48 arrests, while Oceania ranked third with 24 arrests.

The USA is a selected hotspot with a share of 36% of the overall world population Arrests related to 3D printed firearms in 2023. But Canada is close behind at 34%. The UK had 10% and Australia had 8%.

Growing global security threat

Police and media reports indicate that there have been many attempts to buy or produce 3D printed firearms associated with plans for violent actions.

These weapons were utilized by various groups including Right-wing extremists, ethno-separatists, jihadists, left-wing anarchists, organized crime groups in Europe and pro-democracy rebels in Myanmar.

From 2019 to mid-2022 there have been a minimum of nine documented cases in Europe and Australia by extremists, terrorists or paramilitary groups that produce or try to produce firearms using 3D printing technology. This is shown by an evaluation of 165 cases of 3D printed firearms from 2013 to mid-2024 15% were related to terrorism. In terrorism-related cases, right-wing extremist groups seem like essentially the most common users.

A various legal landscape

3D printed weapons are sometimes home-made firearms with out a serial number. The lack of identification makes them attractive to criminals since it makes it harder for law enforcement to link certain weapons to specific crimes or suspects. Different countries take very different approaches to regulating these weapons.

Japan enforces strict laws regulating the manufacture, possession and sale of firearms. Its legal system strictly prohibits the illicit manufacture of firearms, including 3D printed weapons. In 2014 it was a 28-year-old Japanese man sentenced to 2 years in prison for making 3D printed plastic firearms.

In 2023 Canada is effectively banned Ghost guns. It's illegal they own or make with out a state license.

In Australia there’s one 3D printed firearms are illegaland in some states, possessing a digital blueprint to create one can be a criminal offense. In the state of New South Wales, an individual convicted of possessing blueprints could withstand 14 years in prison. In the state of Tasmania, the punishment will be even harsher – as much as 21 years in prison.

Across the European Union, making or owning homemade firearms, including 3D printed ones, is common principally forbidden. However, laws and penalties vary, and a few countries even criminalize possession of digital files or blueprints related to 3D printed weapons.

In the UK, where firearms are heavily restricted, 3D printed guns are considered illegal. But in November 2022 the federal government will The laws have been updated to specifically prohibit owning, purchasing or manufacturing parts for 3D printed weapons. The proposal goals to explicitly ban 3D printed guns, directly addressing their unique challenges, reasonably than counting on existing laws designed for traditional firearms. Britain's National Crime Agency has called for a ban even have blueprintsAnd Parliament is currently considering two bills propose such a ban.

Federal rules within the USA

The U.S. Constitution presents some unique challenges to regulating ghost guns, particularly for the federal government, but additionally for the states.

For regular firearms – people who usually are not 3D printed – US federal law requires that a key component called ” lower receiverBear a unique serial number. Purchasing a lower receiver requires a Federal background check and conducting the transaction through a merchant who a Federal firearms license.

The situation is more complicated in terms of 3D printed weapons. The First Amendment protects freedom of expression, including the sharing of digital files which will contain firearm designs. And the Second Amendment protects the rights of residents. Right to bear arms.

In the United States, a federal license is required to sell 3D printed firearms. But making or owning homemade firearms for private use is permitted. This includes 3D printing of the lower receiver component and Assembling the remainder of the weapon with unregulated parts.

Current federal law, is being considered by the Supreme Courtalso requires 3D printed weapons to fulfill certain guidelines, even if that is so don’t contain any currently regulated regulations Firearm components. This rule requires manufacturers of ghost gun kits to buy one Federal license, conducting background checkscollect details about their customers and add serial numbers to their products.

The kind of weapon also plays a job in determining the legality of a 3D printed firearm. Automatic weapons or machine guns can proceed to fireplace ammunition so long as the user holds down the trigger. These weapons were heavily regulated by federal law for nearly 90 years.

Criminals have used 3D printer to make “Glock switches” or automotive Searswhich Convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns. That makes this stuff machine guns under federal law and makes them machine guns illegal. Owning such a 3D printed conversion device can result in a Maximum 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 effective.

In the States

States also can regulate firearms, and plenty of try to realize control over 3D printed weapons.

Until November 2024, 15 US states had passed regulations on ghost gunsalthough exact requirements vary. The rules typically require a serial number, background checks when purchasing firearm components and reporting to authorities that an individual is making 3D printed weapons.

In New Jersey, for instance, a 2019 law requires all ghost guns for use have a serial number and be registered. Under current New York law, owning or distributing a 3D printed gun is a misdemeanor. However, one bill goals to enhance the manufacturing of firearms using 3D printing technology to against the law.

As technology advances and rules evolve, criminals using 3D printed firearms will proceed to pose a threat to public safety, and governments will proceed to play catch-up to effectively regulate these weapons.