NYPD concerned about 3D-printed ghost guns that look like toys and online movements like "3D2A"

Key Concepts

• Ghost Guns: Untraceable firearms lacking serial numbers, often manufactured using 3D printing.
• 3D Printing Technology: The process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file, increasingly accessible and used for firearm production.
• Naglock: A specific, advanced type of 3D-printed firearm mentioned.
• Open Source: Digital designs for ghost guns are freely available online for anyone to download and use.
• 3D2A Movement: An online community focused on the Second Amendment, attracting individuals with diverse and often extreme political views, who share and develop 3D-printable firearm designs.
• Lethal Weapons: 3D-printed firearms are capable of causing death or serious injury, similar to conventionally manufactured guns.
• Disguised Firearm Components: Parts designed to resemble toys or everyday objects, making them harder to detect.
• Cat-and-Mouse Race: The ongoing struggle between law enforcement/security companies and those producing untraceable firearms, where technology and regulations are constantly trying to catch up.
• Legislation and Regulation: Efforts to create laws to control the production and distribution of ghost guns, facing challenges due to the rapid advancement of technology and the decentralized nature of online communities.

Ghost Guns and the Rise of 3D Printing

The accessibility of 3D printing technology has led to a significant increase in young people acquiring "ghost guns." These are firearms that are untraceable because they lack serial numbers. Anna Shakar, head of the CBS News crime and public safety unit, investigated this issue, focusing on the NYPD's efforts to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of minors and the growing online movement of individuals manufacturing them.

Inside the NYPD's Gun Lab

Officers have seized a substantial number of these untraceable weapons. The report highlights "Naglock" as one of the newest advancements in the 3D printing community for firearm creation. It's emphasized that individuals involved in the production and trafficking of these 3D-printed guns are not designing them from scratch. Instead, they are downloading readily available designs from open-source platforms, which are accessible globally for anyone with a 3D printer.

Technology Outpacing Regulation

Deputy Chief Courtney Nylan of the NYPD's ghost guns unit states that the rapid advancement of this technology is outpacing the laws designed to regulate it. She has raised concerns about the growing online community known as "3D2A," where "2A" stands for the Second Amendment. This platform appears to attract individuals with extreme political ideologies, ranging from the far-left and far-right to those who are completely anti-government.

Parental Awareness and Detection

Queen's District Attorney Melinda Katz advises parents to be vigilant about unusual internet purchases that might seem nonsensical or could be components of a weapon or gun. She stresses the importance of parental awareness, noting that it is possible to build lethal weapons by simply purchasing parts online.

The Open-Source Nature and Law Enforcement Challenges

The plans for these firearms are widely available on the internet. The report showcases examples, including a "Hello Kitty" branded gun holder that, when unfolded, functions as a lethal weapon. The decentralized and open-source nature of these designs makes it extremely difficult for law enforcement to keep pace with regulations. Even if a state like California enacts a law prohibiting the 3D printing of specific components, such as a "block" or "switch" that converts a firearm to semi-automatic, individuals can still download these designs elsewhere and potentially transport them across state lines or even operate from within states with stricter laws.

Disguised Firearm Components and the "Cat-and-Mouse Race"

A particularly concerning aspect highlighted is the existence of gun holders disguised as toys. These items, like the "Hello Kitty" holder, are actually functional firearms. Private sector companies and security firms are engaged in a continuous effort to stay ahead of the engineers developing these weapons, describing the situation as a "cat-and-mouse race." Law enforcement is actively trying to gain control over this evolving problem, with the current situation being likened to the "wild west."

Legislative Efforts and Exponential Growth

Gun control advocates are actively pursuing legislative solutions to address this issue, but it presents a significant challenge. While states like California and New York have implemented strict laws regarding ghost guns and 3D printing, there has been an "exponential growth" in their prevalence. This growth is attributed, in part, to the ease with which these weapons can be manufactured in secret and concealed.