Summary
FBI Director Kash Patel gave inoperable 3D-printed pistols to New Zealand officials during his visit, which were illegal under local gun laws and had to be destroyed. The pistols were part of a display stand gifted to three senior security officials, but due to New Zealand's strict gun laws, they were treated as operable and destroyed by authorities.
Key Facts
- The FBI Director gave 3D-printed pistols to senior New Zealand security officials.
- The pistols were considered illegal to possess under New Zealand's gun laws.
- New Zealand's gun laws treat inoperable firearms as operable if they can be modified.
- The pistols were surrendered to the authorities and destroyed.
- The FBI Director was in New Zealand to open the FBI’s first standalone office.
- Possessing a pistol in New Zealand requires a special permit.
- The gift was intended as a part of a display stand, not as functional weapons.
- New Zealand tightened gun laws after a 2019 mass shooting in Christchurch.
