Man behind 3D printed gun designs says ‘social costs’ necessary to protect Second Amendment

The founder of an organization that publishes designs for 3D printable guns online said Sunday that he’s willing to accept the “social costs” that come with his products in the name of defending the Second Amendment.

Cody Wilson, the founder of Defense Distributed, argued on “Fox News Sunday” that any restrictions on the ability to 3D print guns would infringe on First Amendment and Second Amendment rights. Wilson’s organization had uploaded gun designs to the internet, allowing them to be accessed and turned into a functioning weapon using a 3D printer.

Wilson was unwavering when asked by host Chris Wallace if he would feel any responsibility or remorse should a gun that was printed using his designs be used to kill someone, even a family member.

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“I literally believe in the Second Amendment to the point of that it’s alright and it should be expected there will be social costs for protecting a right like this,” he said.

“Of course we should expect, and have a mature attitude that bad things can happen,” he added.

3D printed guns rose to the forefront last week when President Trump tweeted that he’s “looking into” the concept, adding that it “doesn’t seem to make much sense.”

U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik later issued a temporary restraining order barring Defense Distributed from releasing 3D printed gun blueprints online, hours before the company was slated to post them on Aug. 1. 

Critics have warned that 3D printed guns can be made by individuals who would otherwise be prohibited from owning a firearm, and are untraceable.

Wilson on Sunday disputed that the concept is controversial, and criticized lawmakers for just noticing the issue in the last week.

“This is not controversial,” Wilson said. “These are all protected by the First Amendment.”

“I’m sorry that a bunch of politicians woke up to the reality of this just last week,” he added. “But this is the way that it’s always been.”