A Tulsa, Oklahoma, man has been charged after allegedly trying to produce 3D printed firearm parts to a person he believed was appearing on behalf of al-Qaida, based on a prison grievance unsealed on September 24.
Andrew Scott Hastings, 25, faces federal expenses 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 a web based group discussing violent acts “in furtherance of world 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 navy place.
Investigators say Hastings inspired members of the web group to develop cyber and bodily fight abilities. He reportedly supplied to share over 500 pages of private notes and Military manuals on weapons manufacturing and navy techniques. Hastings additionally claimed prior detention by legislation enforcement and suggested on how one can evade authorities. He allegedly expressed curiosity in making a nuclear weapon and praised militant tunnel methods utilized by teams equivalent to Hamas.
3D Printed Firearms and Machinegun Units
Hastings started speaking with an secret agent claiming ties to al-Qaida, discussing 3D printed firearms, machinegun conversion gadgets (“switches”), and drones. He supplied a hyperlink to a web site providing 3D printed switches on the market, and surveillance footage confirmed him transport 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 Pressure 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 Lawyer 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 firms have launched measures to curb their unfold. In Might, Bragg, along with New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, launched up to date laws (S227A/A1777A) aimed 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 through 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 Group Requirements. Nonetheless, teams just like the Firearms Coverage Coalition have pushed again, arguing that such restrictions infringe on freedom of speech.
Need to assist form the way forward for AM? Be a part of the Skilled Committee for our 2025 3DPI Awards, launching later this summer season.
To remain updated with the most recent 3D printing information, don’t neglect to subscribe to the 3D Printing Business e-newsletter or comply with us on Twitter, or like our web page on Fb.
When you’re right here, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel? That includes dialogue, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.
The featured picture reveals a damaged ghost gun. Picture through Raviv Lab.
