‘Operation Texas Kill Switch’ to combat 3D-printed machine guns

Through the popularization of hobbyist grade 3D printing, the state of Texas has begun to see a rapid increase in the number of parts used to transform commercially available firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of firing faster than military-grade M4s. This new technology has taken the work and know-how needed to build these devices at home out of the equation, officials warn. 

With the rise of manufacturing and usage of switches, U.S. attorneys held a state-wide simultaneous press conference on June 10 in Texas, with local U.S. Attorney Damien Diggs hosting at the Beaumont Police Department Pistol Range. In partnership with the ATF, and in an effort to crack down on the production and distribution of the deadly devices, Diggs impressed upon attendees the present danger to the public. 

“Machine gun conversion devices are incredibly dangerous and pose an unacceptable risk to the public and law enforcement,” said Diggs. “They’re also illegal and simply possessing a machine gun conversion device - let alone firing one - comes along with a hefty prison sentence.” 

About an inch long, switches may be made of metal or plastic. Plastic devices can be printed at home with less than $1 worth of plastic filament available on Amazon.com. 

“We’ve recently seen an increase in the number of switches on our streets,” said Diggs. “Between 2017 and 2023, Texas based ATF agents have seized 991 switches, 490 of those, or approximately 50%, were seized in the last year.” 

According to Diggs, the result of the increase has been deadly. For example, in April 2023, in Dadeville, Alabama, four individuals were killed and 32 injured in a mass shooting at a “Sweet 16” birthday party. Less than a year later, a 14-year-old is facing double murder charges after allegedly killing a 16 and a 36-year-old with a switchequipped firearm in a dispute that began over stolen shoes. 

Operation Texas Kill Switch, the U.S. attorney reported, will be working with Crime Stoppers programs across the state, offering up to $5,000 dollar cash rewards until Aug. 31, to anyone with information on machine gun converting devices in their community. 

For more information on how to get involved or submit a tip, visit the Crime Stoppers website at https://833tips. com/.