Eight states filed suit Monday to block a pro-gun group from distributing files online for making firearms with 3D printers.
A recent settlement between the group, Defense Distributed, and the State Department that allowed the files to be posted has spurred outcry from gun-control groups and Democratic lawmakers. They say it will allow people to avoid background checks by using 3D printers to make their own guns at home.
“These downloadable guns are unregistered and very difficult to detect, even with metal detectors, and will be available to anyone regardless of age, mental health or criminal history,” said Bob Ferguson, Washington state’s attorney general who filed the suit on behalf of the other states.
The suit was filed in federal court in Washington and seeks a temporary restraining order to block the files from being posted online. The suit names the State Department and Defense Distributed as defendants, arguing that the settlement violates states’ ability to regulate guns among other things.
An expanded version of this report appears on WSJ.com.
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