New York lawmakers want 3D printer companies to prevent the creation of ‘ghost weapons’

Gov. Kathy Hochul and other New York state lawmakers want 3D printer companies to ban the printing of components used to make “ghost guns” — firearms that don’t have serial numbers that can be privately printed, easily avoiding a background check.

At a press event on Tuesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said that two 3D printing companies have voluntarily agreed to adopt technology that would prevent weapons from being manufactured using their printers; Another digital design company has agreed to remove some firearms CAD files (printing plans) from its services, Bragg said. Lawmakers have Proposed legislation This would make it illegal to sell or possess CAD files for weapons without a license and would require 3D printer companies to prevent the printing of firearms. Related restrictions have been proposed or implemented into law in states such as Colorado, New Jerseyand Washington.

“You can’t print counterfeit money. We don’t let you do that,” Bragg said. “So why do we allow you to print lethal weapons?”

the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is killed In December 2024, renewed attention was drawn to ghost guns. Luigi Mangione, The man is on trial To shoot and kill Thompson, he accused For having a 3D printed gun in his belongings when he was arrested. In 2025, Wired detailed How easy it would have been to search for, print out and shoot the weapon Mangione was accused of using in Thompson’s murder.

Bragg and Justin Wagner, managing director at Everytown for Gun Safety, said they have also reached out to YouTube about content on the platform related to 3D-printed firearms. (Wired She printed her gun with the help of a YouTuber.) Bragg and Wagner said the platform has in the past adjusted its algorithm and age-rated some children’s content, though Bragg said it was an “ongoing conversation.” In 2024, YouTube Strict action has been taken against certain content of firearms; Prague to thank The company changes.

However, questions remain about the extent to which the proposed legislation can stop the spread of stealth weapons. It’s easy and cheap to print firearms and their components—you can buy a printer for just a few hundred dollars—and CAD files for the guns are easy to access online. (ca Currently suing two sites Which provides instructions for crafting weapons and accessories.)

Nor are they just high-profile murders linked to untraceable, homemade firearms. Recent research found Gun suicide rates increased for every 20 ghost guns found per 100,000 people.