Contact: Giselle Barry (Markey) 2022242742

Lawmaker wrote ATF in May calling for plan to address emerging technological threat

 

Washington (November 14, 2013) - 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 (DMass.) 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 3D printing technology are made of plastic and could pass undetected through metal detectors and xray machines at airports, secure buildings, and schools.

 

"We must not allow a 3D printer cartridge to become as deadly as a gun cartridge," said Senator Markey. "These homemade 3D printedguns 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 3D technology, and I look forward to its response."

 

Senator Markey's May 2013 letter to the ATF can be found HERE . 

 

Senator Markey is cosponsor of S. 1149, the Undetectable Firearms Modernization Act, which was introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (DFl.) and is cosponsored by Senators Gillibrand (DN.Y.) and Schumer (DN.Y.).