Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has announced an initiative aimed at restricting the production of 3D-printed firearms, commonly referred to as “ghost guns,” across New York and the United States. The proposal was mentioned during Governor Kathy Hochul's State of the State address, according to Gothamist. Under the plan, all 3D printers sold in New York would be required to include technology that prevents the printing of firearms and their components.
Bragg, who recently became head of Prosecutors Against Gun Violence, is pursuing regulations aimed at broadly addressing the sale of 3D printers capable of producing firearms. In a statement obtained by Gothamist, he said, "Think of a world where you can't buy a printer that prints a 3D gun," noting that this approach would target the primary tool used to produce these weapons. Bragg compared the proposed restrictions to existing limits on home printers that prevent the production of counterfeit currency.
The proposed legislation includes provisions related to the possession, sale, or distribution of digital files used to produce firearms. Tom’s Hardware reports that Governor Hochul supports the measure, which is intended to regulate the circulation of untraceable “ghost guns.” The use of ghost guns has been associated with several incidents, including the 2024 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Bragg aims to address gun violence by targeting its underlying factors. The proposed legislation would prohibit the unauthorized sharing of 3D files for firearms and related components, with the goal of limiting access to these weapons. Bragg told Tom’s Hardware that illegal firearms are being produced in homes and used in crimes, and that he has worked with colleagues in Albany and the private sector to restrict their distribution. He added that implementing these measures is intended to reduce crime and improve public safety in New York.
Bragg's office has worked with companies, including YouTube, to modify algorithms that previously directed teenagers to content on producing ghost guns. This effort is part of a broader preventative strategy, supported by Bragg and Governor Hochul, aimed at addressing the channels that contribute to the accessibility of these weapons.
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