Men Charged in Attempt to Smuggle 3D-Printed Gun Parts Out of U.S.
Two men were arrested in Colorado Springs for allegedly manufacturing hundreds of 3D-printed gun components capable of converting semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones and attempting to export them.
Federal authorities have arrested two men in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on charges related to the alleged production of hundreds of illegal machine gun components using 3D printers and their subsequent attempt to export them from the United States. The case highlights concerns over the proliferation of 3D-printed firearms, often referred to as "ghost guns."
According to federal prosecutors, former Army National Guard member Andrew Scott Hastings used a 3D printer in the summer of 2024 to create lower receiver parts for firearms and over 100 "switches." These devices are capable of converting a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon. Prosecutors allege that these parts were intended for al-Qaida operatives.
This incident follows similar cases involving 3D-printed firearm components. Earlier in 2024, a man in Houston was charged with attempting to smuggle such parts out of the country.
The ongoing development and accessibility of 3D printing technology continue to present challenges for law enforcement. Authorities are working to track and prosecute individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing and distribution of untraceable firearms and their components.