FBI Chief’s 3D-Printed Gun Gifts to New Zealand Officials Breach Local Firearm Laws

FBI Director Kash Patel gave New Zealand police and spy chiefs illegal gifts during an official visit. The presents were inoperable, 3D-printed replica pistols. This incident occurred in late July in Wellington.

The plastic guns were part of display stands presented to senior security officials. According to The Associated Press, the gifts violated New Zealand’s strict firearm regulations and had to be destroyed.

Potentially Operable Replicas Forced Destruction

New Zealand law treats inoperable weapons as operable if they can be modified to function. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers stated the replicas were judged potentially operable. He instructed police to retain and destroy them to ensure legal compliance.

The recipients included the heads of New Zealand’s two main intelligence agencies. All three officials sought regulatory advice the day after receiving the gifts. A spokesperson for the spy agencies described the item as a “challenge coin display stand.”

Gesture Clashes With Post-Massacre Gun Culture

New Zealand significantly tightened its gun laws after the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings. The country views gun ownership as a privilege, not a right. Violent gun crime is rare, and police officers are not routinely armed.

The incident caused diplomatic unease. Patel had already provoked discomfort by linking the new FBI office to countering China’s influence. Local officials politely dismissed that characterization, focusing instead on collaboration against crime.

The 3D-printed gun gifts highlight a significant cultural and legal misstep during a high-profile diplomatic mission. This event underscores the complex international navigation of firearm regulations. The destroyed replicas mark an unusual end to an FBI director’s visit.

Thought you’d like to know

What specific officials received the 3D-printed guns?

The gifts were given to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, NZSIS Director-General Andrew Hampton, and GCSB Director-General Andrew Clark. They received the items during meetings on July 31.

Why were the replica pistols considered illegal?

Pistols are tightly restricted in New Zealand and require a special permit. The replicas were deemed potentially operable under local law, making their possession illegal without the correct authorization.

How did New Zealand authorities discover the breach?

The officials themselves sought advice from the national gun regulator the day after receiving the gifts. This proactive step led to the examination and subsequent destruction order.

Has the FBI commented on the incident?

A spokesperson for Kash Patel told The Associated Press that the FBI would not comment. The bureau has not issued a public statement regarding the gifted replicas.

What was the official purpose of Patel’s visit?

He was in Wellington to open the FBI’s first standalone office in New Zealand. The bureau stated this move aligned New Zealand with its missions in other Five Eyes intelligence-sharing nations.