But some authorities are bracing for the potential arrival of 3D-printed guns. While those devices are largely untested — and questions persist about their practicability — rapidly evolving technology has brought both legal and public safety concerns to the forefront.
"Our freedom and our liberty depend on security," said St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin. "An untraceable, undetectable ghost gun that eliminates accountability, and any blueprints or designs to create such a weapon, do not benefit a lawful society. It is not an allowable innovation."
Minnesota is one of 20 states, along with the District of Columbia, suing over the federal government's decision to allow the online publication of 3D-printed gun blueprints — a case that has raised both First and Second Amendment issues.
A federal judge in Seattle recently issued a temporary restraining order requiring a Texas company, Defense Distributed, to remove from its website blueprints for a pistol and an AR-15 frame. The company has complied ahead of an Aug. 21 preliminary injunction hearing, but its code remains online on a multitude of other websites.
The legal battle will continue as experts report major gains in 3D-printing technology and the country remains politically divided over gun rights.
Legal loophole?
Duluth police Lt. Jeff Kazel, commander of the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, said he is not aware of any 3D-printed guns encountered by area law enforcement agencies at this point. But he said the emerging technology does raise concerns for police.
"Are these weapons detectable by metal detectors?" he posed. "If not, it would be difficult for event security and our airports."
Minnesota law requires a permit to purchase or transfer ownership of any handgun or long firearm with a pistol grip. That involves a background check by the purchaser's local police department or sheriff's
