Louisville police push law targeting 3D-printed guns and conversion devices

Earlier this month, Louisville Metro Police seized 3D-printed guns during a targeted search in the Shively area.

Story Highlights

• Louisville Metro Police seized 16 Glock conversion devices, several 3D printers, and four guns — three of them 3D-printed — during a targeted search in Shively earlier this month.

• Two 18-year-olds and two juveniles were arrested in connection with the investigation into the illegal devices.

• Police are supporting House Bill 299, which would make possession of a machine gun conversion device a felony under Kentucky law and has already passed the House.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Efforts to remove 3D-printed guns and machine gun conversion devices from Louisville’s streets now involve both law enforcement and lawmakers.

Earlier this month, Louisville Metro Police seized 3D-printed guns during a targeted search in the Shively area.

Police said House Bill 299 could help save lives. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, would classify possession of a machine gun conversion device as a felony under state law.

“You can buy these printers online,” LMPD Sgt. Cam Chenault said. “They’re shipped to your home. You can make either your firearm or a machine gun conversion device at home, and everything is readily available.”

He said anyone can create these devices regardless of age or criminal history.

“There are no restrictions on 3D printers, so a juvenile, a felon, or anyone else can obtain one,” Chenault said.

During the targeted search earlier this month, police seized 16 Glock conversion devices, several 3D printers and computers, and four guns — three of which were 3D-printed.

Jose Viveros-Hernandez and Ahmed Mohram, both 18, were arrested in connection with the investigation. Police also arrested two juveniles.

“You can imagine a juvenile with little experience handling a gun suddenly having access to a fully automatic weapon,” Chenault said. “That’s extremely dangerous.”

That concern is driving police support for HB299.

“While machine guns are prohibited at the federal level, there is no state or local law specifically addressing these devices,” Chenault said.

The bill would make possession of a machine gun conversion device a felony under state law.

“If we can use state law to make arrests and seize these items, removing them from the streets, it will save lives,” Chenault said.

Chenault said officers are encountering these switch attachments nearly every day. As their frequency increases, so does the urgency to act.

“That’s why we are so committed to targeting these machine gun conversion devices and removing them before they lead to senseless gunfire incidents,” Chenault said.

An update on HB299 shows it recently advanced in Frankfort after passing the House and is now under consideration in the Senate.