20 Prosecutors from Across the U.S. Pen Letter to Major Companies
Prosecutors Against Gun Violence today sent a letter to major 3D-printer companies Bambu Lab, Creality, and Flashforge urging them to proactively implement printer-based solutions blocking the manufacturing of 3D-printed firearms and parts. Twenty members of PAGV – chaired by Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein – signed the letter, representing communities from California to North Carolina.
“The ability to manufacture 3D-printed firearms at home is a very real and present national public safety threat,” said District Attorney Bragg. “New York has taken monumental strides to combat the proliferation of 3D-printed guns, but trafficking does not stop at state borders. Prosecutors from across the U.S. are calling on major 3D-printer companies to protect our constituents, including their customers: act swiftly to prevent your machines from producing dangerous firearms.”
“3D printed firearms are a threat to public safety as they allow individuals to bypass background checks and firearms to find their way into the hands of those otherwise prohibited from possessing them,” said City Attorney Klein. “Prosecutors across the country are calling on 3D printer manufacturers to implement commonsense solutions to keep our kids and communities safe.”
The letter, which builds on the work of the Manhattan D.A.’s Office to engage directly with companies, comes in the wake of New York State’s enactment of groundbreaking legislation requiring 3D printers sold in the State to be equipped with blocking technology. The coalition urges companies to take immediate, proactive steps by “adopting minimum safety standards consistent with New York’s landmark legislation by equipping all 3D printers sold in the United States with blocking technology to prevent the unlicensed and illegal production of firearms and firearm parts.” California and Washington have introduced similar legislation to prohibit machines from printing firearms.
The letter addresses the unique dangers posed by 3D-printed firearms and ghost guns in general, citing, for example, their lack of serial numbers and accessibility to dangerous individuals, and highlights some recent, concerning examples of their use.
It concludes, “It is imperative that your company takes swift action towards the implementation of these commonsense safeguards. To this end, we respectfully request a meeting with representatives from your company and members of our respective offices. We are committed to working with you to curb the creation of illegal ghost guns to keep our communities safe.”
An example of one of the letters can be read here.
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PAGV is an independent coalition of prosecutors from diverse jurisdictions throughout the United States, working toward solutions to end gun violence. The group is co-chaired by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, and brings together prosecutors to discuss policies, legislation, and strategies to help prevent and confront gun violence in their jurisdictions.
To stay up to date with PAGV’s progress, join the mailing list at ProsecutorsAGV.org, and follow PAGV on Facebook and Twitter.
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