By KAYLA DEMICCO
Opinion Editor
3D printing has been around longer than you probably thought. According to 3Dinsider.com, the first 3D printer ever was made in 1983, but it wasn’t as easily accessible compared to now. In the 1980s, it was used for “rapid prototyping of industrial products and designs.”
When 3D printing hit the medical field in the 2000s, scientists were able to make a human bladder, a functional miniature kidney, a prosthetic leg which included complex components, and bioprinted blood vessels using human cells. Several years after this, 3D printing was made easily accessible by entering the marketplace.
“You can print musical instruments, jewelry, household items, and clothing accessories. Future potential looks at 3D printed homes, drones, vehicles, foods, and other human body parts.” The possibilities seem to be endless. While the idea of printing objects at home seems extraordinary, it’s not guaranteed that all owners of 3D printers will use this high tech gadget for good.
Upon the popularization of 3D printers, Defense Distributed, a nonprofit organization based in Texas, was created for developing digital files for weapons that Internet users can download. In 2013, files were released for the first 3D printed gun called the “Liberator” (aka “Ghost Guns,” since they have no serial numbers and are untraceable).
Forbes reported that the files were downloaded over 100,000 times within only two days before the United States Department of State demanded that the company remove it from their website.
As stated by UPI.com, in mid-July, the United States Department of Justice reached a settlement of $40,000 (for legal fees) with Defense Distributed that allowed the files for the “Ghost Gun” to be sold that went into effect on August 1st.
On Change.org, a petition was created in mid-July to “Stop Defense Distributed From Releasing Downloadable Guns” to the U.S. State Department. To convince users to support the movement, the creator says, “If you care about yourself and your loved ones, sign this petition and urge the US State Department to stop this dangerous reality!”
The petition creator urges supporters to contact U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, to tell him that “the downloadable, printable guns pose a national safety threat to the citizens of the United States because they can be created on demand, are untraceable and cannot be detected by any security.”
One person who claims to have accidentally signed the petition commented, “This petition is leftist extremism. 3D printed guns are a huge step forward for everyone’s innate right to defend themselves from criminals, crazed leftists, and tyrannical governments.”
Trump said in a confusing tweet on July 31st, “I am looking into 3-D Plastic Guns being sold to the public. Already spoke to NRA, doesn’t seem to make much sense!”
The only statement by the NRA that has been released on this topic was by Chris W. Cox, executive director, National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action on July 31st that said:
“Many anti-gun politicians and members of the media have wrongly claimed that 3-D printing technology will allow for the production and widespread proliferation of undetectable plastic firearms. Regardless of what a person may be able to publish on the Internet, undetectable plastic guns have been illegal for 30 years. Federal law passed in 1988, crafted with the NRA’s support, makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, sell, ship, deliver, possess, transfer, or receive an undetectable firearm.”
In a press release at the end of July, the New York Attorney General, Barbara D. Underwood announced that she will file a nationwide temporary restraining order against the Trump Administration to block the distribution of materials that allow people easily 3D print guns “for common sense and public safety.” Joining her will be attorney generals in Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Since these guns aren’t 100% effective (yet), they don’t pose much of a threat now. While untraceable guns isn’t a brand new concept, these “Ghost Guns” will only increase the problem.
Only in America would someone add onto the growing list of gun problems that we don’t need. The rise of these “Ghost Guns” could not have come at a worse time.
