Federal Judge Issues Restraining Order Halting the Release of 3D Printed Gun Blueprints

One day after Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced a lawsuit to stop the release of 3D-printed gun blueprints, a federal judge issued a restraining order halting the distribution of the digital files. The multistate lawsuit was supported by eight Democratic attorneys general.

Granted: Judge issues temporary restraining order blocking federal government from allowing distribution of downloadable 3D printed ghost guns

— WA Attorney General (@AGOWA) July 31, 2018

Untraceable, undetectable ghost guns

Ferguson released a statement praising Seattle US District Judge Robert Lasnik for his ruling. “I am thankful and relieved Judge Lasnik put a nationwide stop to the Trump Administration’s dangerous decision to allow downloadable, 3D-printed ghost guns to be distributed online," read the attorney's statement.

AG Ferguson statement on court order blocking downloadable 3D-printed guns https://t.co/OQ4Rbs2T1D

— WA Attorney General (@AGOWA) August 1, 2018

"These ghost guns are untraceable, virtually undetectable and, without today’s victory, available to any felon, domestic abuser or terrorist. I hope the President does the right thing and directs his administration to change course," Ferguson continued.

Ferguson's concerns were shared by many political figures and even president Donald Trump had expressed reservations about the logic in making such weapons available to the public.

The Republican candidate had said he would consult with the National Rifle Association (NRA) regarding the issue.

3D-printable guns are untraceable, require no background check, and - after a Trump admin decision - available online to download for anyone, including terrorists and criminals. I’m with my colleagues to intro new legislation to address this threat. WATCH: https://t.co/7BGA7TFHRY

— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) July 31, 2018

I am looking into 3-D Plastic Guns being sold to the public. Already spoke to NRA, doesn’t seem to make much sense!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 31, 2018

Undetectable firearms already illegal

The NRA released a statement on the decision claiming that "anti-gun" politicians and the media were misleading in their statements regarding the dangers that 3D printing technology would lead to the proliferation of undetectable plastic firearms. The body argued there were already laws in place to protect against such outcomes.

“Many anti-gun politicians and members of the media have wrongly claimed that 3-D printing technology will allow for the production and widespread proliferation of undetectable plastic firearms." Read the full statement from @ChrisCoxNRA here: https://t.co/GJFIBpMyC7 pic.twitter.com/RGSAy3jfK5

— NRA (@NRA) July 31, 2018

"Regardless of what a person may be able to publish on the Internet, undetectable plastic guns have been illegal for 30 years. Federal law passed in 1988, crafted with the NRA’s support, makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, sell, ship, deliver, possess, transfer, or receive an undetectable firearm," said Chris W. Cox, executive director, NRA Institute for Legislative Action.

Meanwhile, Cody R Wilson, the founder of digital firearm firm Defense Distributed responsible for the lawsuit, announced that his project was going "dark." However, this is likely not the end of this ongoing battle. 

By order of a federal judge in the Western District of Washington, https://t.co/ZEOYuTOs4a is going dark.

— Cody R. Wilson (@Radomysisky) August 1, 2018

Wilson has launched a call to help uncensor his site by supporting "Defense Distributed’s political and technical fraternity" called LEGIO. What Wilson's next steps will be are unclear, however, for now, his opposition is celebrating their victory.

Congratulations, @AGOWA - Printing out an unlicensed gun with a 3D printer should not be a "do-it-yourself" project. Because of Attorney General Ferguson's lawsuit, this administration's dangerous plan has been put on hold.https://t.co/1opKCGsT8m pic.twitter.com/WVDmZAqTig

— Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) July 31, 2018