Success: Judge Blocks Release of 3D-Printed Gun Blueprints

Target: US District Judge Robert Lasnik, Seattle, Washington

Goal: Support the ruling banning the release of downloadable 3D-printed gun designs, which would allow unrestricted and unregulated access to deadly and untraceable weapons.

Concern about the dangers of 3D-printed guns has rightfully been mounting, as the Trump administration allowed a settlement that would make it legal for a downloadable schematic for the weapons to be freely available online. However, following outrage and fear from the public, lawmakers, and gun experts alike—including petitions like this one at ForceChange—a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting the release of these designs. Judge Robert Lasnik said in regards to his decision, “There is a possibility of irreparable harm because of the way these guns can be made.”

Fears regarding 3D-printed guns are undeniably justified. The guns are made of plastic, and therefore could easily be missed by metal detectors. Anybody with enough money could access these weapons; and, as 3D-printing technology continues to be honed, it also becomes steadily less expensive and more easily accessible. There is no way of ensuring restrictions for people who are underage, don’t have a license, have a criminal background or a history of mental illness, or even have affiliations with terrorist organizations. It requires no background check or documentation—all users would have to do is enter their email addresses. The guns do not have serial numbers, so would be virtually untraceable. And the company that makes the blueprints is already exploring designs for semi-automatic weapons like the AR-15 rifle, even further expanding the dangers of this situation.

Although it is not a long-term solution, this ruling by Judge Lasnik allows more time for these issues to begin to be addressed by preventing the immediate release of these downloadable gun designs. Sign below to support this ruling that protects Americans from still more gun violence.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Judge Lasnik,

Thank you for acting in the best interest of the American public and issuing a restraining order on the release of online schematics for 3D-printed guns. These downloadable designs pose a huge threat to public safety, allowing unfettered access to deadly weapons for anyone, whether or not they have a license, a criminal record, a history of violence or instability, or even terrorist ties.

These blueprints are for weapons that would be virtually undetectable and untraceable, meaning that once they are in the wrong hands, they will most likely stay there. Thank you for heeding the concerns of gun experts, of lawmakers, and of the American public at large, who value their lives and their safety. I support your ruling to block the release of 3D-printed gun designs.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Justin Pickard