Californian 3D printing service bureau 3Diligent has issued a statement saying it “will not take orders to [3D] print guns or gun parts” intended to circumvent the Undetectable Firearms Act.
The statement has been issued in relation to a recent settlement made by the U.S. Department of Justice allowing the free distribution of files that can be use to 3D print firearms.
Urging other companies to take a stand against the decision Cullen Hilkene, 3Diligent CEO, comments
“We believe strongly in the importance of traceable firearms as a means of deterring criminal and terrorist activity.
We are disappointed at what this settlement potentially means to the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.”
Cody Wilson suing the government
This lawsuit was brought against the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of State (DOS) by pro-gun non-profit the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Cody Wilson, the creator behind the 3D printed “Plastic Liberator” gun.
Initially intending to sue the government, on the grounds of the First Amendment SAF and Wilson succeeded in lifting a ban on the sharing of 3D firearm files on Wilson’s site Defense Distributed.
Put a stop to 3D printed guns
In response to the settlement, The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety and the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence have submitted an amicus brief calling for an injunction on the ruling.
The letter states, “We are aware that under ordinary circumstances, a settlement agreement resulting in a voluntary stipulation of dismissal is not subject to review or inquiry by the Court. However, this settlement is far from ordinary,”
“It is dangerous, irreparable and – as the government itself has emphatically argued for years – raises issues of national defense and national security of the highest order.”
“It is also, we believe, illegal.”
Like 3Diligent, the organizations argue that the recent settlement violates the Undetectable Firearms Act. Everytown has also launched a petition enabling people to email Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Stop the Threat of Downloadable Guns. You can sign the petition here.
3D Printing Industry is currently collecting comment from companies and individuals in response to the settlement made by the DOJ. To contribute your professional opinion and views on behalf of your organization, please contact us here.
At 3Diligent at least, the stance remains strong: “Regardless of what is becoming legally permissible, it is 3Diligent’s official position that we will not support the printing of any 3D Printed gun parts designed in an effort to circumvent the Undetectable Firearms Act.”
“To do so would not be aligned to 3Diligent’s mission, vision, and values as an organization.”
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Featured image Stop Downloadable Guns petition. Image via Everytown for Gun Safety
