FBI Chief Gifts Illegal 3D-Printed Guns to NZ Officials

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, FBI Director Kash Patel presented New Zealand officials with illegal 3D-printed guns during his visit on July 31, 2023. The inoperable pistols, deemed illegal under local laws, were ultimately surrendered and destroyed, raising serious questions about compliance with New Zealand’s strict firearms regulations.

The illegal gifts were part of display stands given to at least three top officials, including Richard Chambers, Andrew Hampton of NZSIS, and Andrew Clark from GCSB. The pistols were quickly identified as potentially operable by regulators, prompting immediate action from law enforcement.

In a statement, Police Commissioner Chambers revealed, “To ensure compliance with firearms laws, I instructed Police to retain and destroy them.” He did not disclose how the weapons were rendered inoperable prior to being gifted.

This incident underscores the stringent gun control measures in New Zealand, where even non-functional firearms are treated as operational if they could be modified. Following the tragic 2019 Christchurch attack, which resulted in the deaths of 51 individuals, New Zealand has reinforced its gun laws, making ownership privileges highly regulated.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the officials involved possessed the necessary permits to receive such gifts. A spokesperson for Patel stated that the FBI would not comment on the matter, leaving many details murky.

The gifts sparked immediate concern among the officials, who sought regulatory advice the next day. The decision to destroy the 3D-printed guns reflects New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining strict control over firearms, where violent gun crime is rare and police officers typically do not carry weapons while on patrol.

Despite Patel’s intentions, which some analysts describe as a “genuine gesture,” the move has drawn criticism, particularly from James Davidson, a former FBI agent. He labeled the destruction of the replicas as an “overreaction” and argued that the items could have been made permanently inoperable instead.

The visit itself has stirred diplomatic ripples, as Patel’s presence in New Zealand was largely unannounced. The opening of the FBI’s first standalone office in the country was not disclosed until it had occurred, prompting speculation about its purpose. While Patel suggested the office would counter China’s influence in the South Pacific, New Zealand officials clarified that the FBI’s focus would remain on combating child exploitation and drug trafficking.

As the situation develops, the implications of Patel’s actions and the subsequent destruction of the guns remain significant. The incident not only raises questions about diplomatic protocols but also highlights the complexities of international law enforcement collaborations.

Authorities continue to monitor the fallout from this unexpected event, with many looking to see how it will influence future relations between New Zealand and the FBI. The public is urged to stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.