3D-printed weapons
FBI Director Kash Patel's 3D-Printed Toy Gun Replicas Violate New Zealand's Strict Firearm Laws
Nov 25, 2025 08:25 pm CST
FBI Director Kash Patel's gift of 3D-printed Maverick PG22 revolvers to New Zealand officials violated local firearms laws, requiring their surrender and destruction. The replicas, inspired by toy Nerf guns, could be easily modified to become operational weapons, highlighting the cultural and legal differences regarding firearms between the US and New Zealand, where gun ownership is considered a privilege rather than a right.
FBI Director Kash Patel's Replica Gun Gifts Destroyed for Violating New Zealand's Strict Firearms Laws
Sep 30, 2025 03:27 pm CST
During an official visit to open the FBI's first standalone office in Wellington, FBI Director Kash Patel presented New Zealand law enforcement officials with display stands containing 3D-printed replica pistols that violated local gun laws. These potentially operable weapons were subsequently seized and destroyed by New Zealand authorities, highlighting the significant differences between US and New Zealand approaches to firearms regulation following the country's 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.