Manhattan DA Pushes for 3D Printer Gun Control

Alvin Bragg says 3D printed guns create a "kitchen table pipeline" for untraceable firearms.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:15am

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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is calling for new controls on 3D printed guns and gun parts, arguing that the technology has created a "kitchen table pipeline" for making untraceable firearms. Bragg is urging 3D printer manufacturers to add safeguards to prevent the printing of gun components.

Why it matters

The rise of 3D printed firearms has raised concerns about the potential for criminals and others to bypass traditional gun control measures by manufacturing their own untraceable weapons at home. Bragg's push for new regulations aims to address this emerging threat to public safety.

The details

In an op-ed for USA Today, Bragg noted how inexpensive 3D printers have become and how digital blueprints for gun parts are readily available online. He argued that "no background check is needed to buy a 3D printer or to download gun blueprints," allowing anyone to "make hundreds of guns, undetected, regardless of criminal record." Bragg is calling on 3D printer manufacturers to add "guardrails" that would prohibit the printing of firearms and accessories, similar to how traditional printers block the printing of counterfeit money.

  • Bragg published his op-ed on February 1, 2026.

The players

Alvin Bragg

The Manhattan District Attorney who is pushing for new controls on 3D printed guns and gun parts.

3D Printer Manufacturers

Bragg is calling on these companies to add safeguards to prevent the printing of firearms and accessories.

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What they’re saying

“No background check is needed to buy a 3D printer or to download gun blueprints. Anyone could make hundreds of guns, undetected, regardless of criminal record. Furthermore, these guns are not serialized, making them untraceable if ever recovered at a crime scene.”

— Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney

“What was once the 'iron pipeline,' the interstate trafficking of illegal firearms, has evolved into a 'kitchen table pipeline,' where anyone with just a few hundred dollars can manufacture a fully operable firearm at home. This convergence of dangerous guns and advancing technology demands a comprehensive, nationwide approach.”

— Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney

What’s next

Bragg is expected to continue advocating for his proposed 3D printer gun controls at the state and federal level.

The takeaway

Bragg's push for new regulations on 3D printed guns highlights the growing concerns about the potential for untraceable firearms to be manufactured at home, bypassing traditional gun control measures. His call for action from 3D printer manufacturers reflects the need for a comprehensive approach to address this emerging public safety threat.