Markey Urges Action on 3D-Printed Plastic Guns

Press Release

After requesting a plan of action in May from the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) on the new threat of guns made with the aid of 3D printing technology, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today urged support for renewal of the Undetectable Firearms Act set to expire on December 9. The law requires guns to have enough steel to set off a metal detector. The guns made with 3-D printing technology are made of plastic and could pass undetected through metal detectors and x-ray machines at airports, secure buildings, and schools.

"We must not allow a 3-D printer cartridge to become as deadly as a gun cartridge," said Senator Markey. "These homemade 3-D printed-guns are no longer a figment of the imagination but are a real threat to the public. We need to immediately pass the Undetectable Firearms Act to ensure these stealth weapons don't go undetected. I have requested that ATF develop a plan to address this emerging 3-D technology, and I look forward to its response."

Senator Markey is co-sponsor of S. 1149, the Undetectable Firearms Modernization Act, which was introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fl.) and is co-sponsored by Senators Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Schumer (D-N.Y.).

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