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.