A Tulsa, Oklahoma, man has been charged after allegedly trying to produce 3D printed firearm parts to a person he believed was performing on behalf of al-Qaida, based on a legal criticism unsealed on September 24.
Andrew Scott Hastings, 25, faces federal costs for trying to supply materials assist to a delegated overseas terrorist group and for the unlawful possession and switch of a machinegun. The FBI started investigating Hastings in June 2024 after discovering his participation in an internet group discussing violent acts “in furtherance of worldwide jihad.” Hastings, who served within the U.S. Military Nationwide Guard as an plane powertrain repairer and held a nationwide safety clearance, allegedly traveled overseas with out reporting his journey—a requirement of his army place.
Investigators say Hastings inspired members of the web group to develop cyber and bodily fight abilities. He reportedly provided to share over 500 pages of non-public notes and Military manuals on weapons manufacturing and army ways. Hastings additionally claimed prior detention by legislation enforcement and suggested on how you can evade authorities. He allegedly expressed curiosity in making a nuclear weapon and praised militant tunnel methods utilized by teams corresponding to Hamas.
3D Printed Firearms and Machinegun Gadgets
Hastings started speaking with an spy claiming ties to al-Qaida, discussing 3D printed firearms, machinegun conversion gadgets (“switches”), and drones. He offered a hyperlink to a web site providing 3D printed switches on the market, and surveillance footage confirmed him delivery packages containing over 100 3D printed switches, two 3D printed handgun decrease receivers, a handgun slide, and extra elements supposed to be used in terrorist assaults.
Through the investigation, Hastings voluntarily separated from the Nationwide Guard on June 6, 2025. The case is being dealt with by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Process Power in Tulsa, the Military Counterintelligence Command, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Tulsa Police Division. It’s being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel, Matthew P. Cyran, and Christopher J. Nassar, with assist from Trial Legal professional Elisa Poteat of the Nationwide Safety Division’s Counterterrorism Part.
Authorities Initiatives and Business Responses to the Rise of 3D Printed Weapons
In gentle of the rising availability of downloadable 3D printed gun designs, each governments and personal corporations have launched measures to curb their unfold. In Could, Bragg, along with New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, launched up to date laws (S227A/A1777A) geared toward curbing the unfold of 3D printed weapons and auto sears—small, cheap gadgets able to changing semi-automatic firearms into absolutely computerized weapons.
New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, left, holding a 3D printed ghost gun, stands with Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, center, and Meeting member Linda Rosenthal. Photograph by way of Manhattan DA.
French 3D printer producer Dagoma partnered with worldwide advert company TBWAParis to disrupt entry to weapon blueprints by releasing pretend, non-functional recordsdata of 3D printable weapons—irritating makes an attempt to obtain usable variations.
On the platform degree, Fb has banned content material that shares directions for manufacturing 3D printed weapons, citing violations of its Neighborhood Requirements. Nonetheless, teams just like the Firearms Coverage Coalition have pushed again, arguing that such restrictions infringe on freedom of speech.
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The featured picture reveals a damaged ghost gun. Picture by way of Raviv Lab.
