San Diego Lawsuit Against CNC Machine Manufacturer Over 'Ghost Gun' Allegations
San Diego Files Lawsuit Against CNC Machine Manufacturer for Alleged Violation of California's 'Ghost Gun' Laws
San Diego County Government Takes Legal Action
The government of San Diego County has taken legal action against a computer numerical control (CNC) machine manufacturer, alleging that the machine is being used to produce unserialized firearm parts. The lawsuit, which was initiated on behalf of the county by the Giffords Law Center, a gun-control legal advocacy group, claims that the "Coast Runner" CNC machine, sold by Coast Runner Industries, Inc., is just a rebranded version of the "Ghost Gunner" CNC machine previously created and sold by Defense Distributed and Ghost Gunner Inc.
Background of the Issue
Gun rights activist and technologist, Cody Wilson, has been working for several years to counter gun control efforts by increasing access to the tools needed for home-based firearms production. His non-profit organization, Defense Distributed, has been a platform for the development of technological advancements in firearms manufacturing, utilizing both 3D-printing and CNC technology. While federal rules do not prohibit individuals from producing firearms for personal use, gun control advocates in several states have made attempts to curb the spread of unserialized, privately-made firearms, often referred to as "ghost guns."
California Law and CNC Machines
In 2022, the Democrat-majority California legislature passed a law making it illegal to sell or transfer any "CNC milling machine that has the sole or primary function of manufacturing firearms" to anyone in the state, except federally licensed firearms manufacturers or importers. Following this new law, the Ghost Gunner sales website stated that its CNC machines were not available to non-FFL California customers. However, after Defense Distributed and Ghost Gunner limited their machine sales in California, a new company, Coast Runner, emerged, marketing a similar CNC machine.
The Lawsuit's Allegations
The lawsuit names Coast Runner Industries Inc., Ghost Runner Inc., and Defense Distributed as defendants, alleging that the 'Coast Runner' is essentially the Ghost Gunner with a new branding. The lawsuit further claims that Coast Runner Industries, Inc. is just an alter ego of Ghost Gunner Inc. and Defense Distributed. The legal complaint seeks a judgment finding all defendants in violation of California law and seeks a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per alleged violation of the California law prohibiting sales of CNC machines for firearms manufacturing, along with an award of "reasonable damages" to the state.
Responses to the Lawsuit
Mr. Wilson, in an emailed statement to NTD News, insisted that Defense Distributed is in compliance with California law, stating, "Defense Distributed follows California law with great effort. The state doesn’t have the nerve to ban CNC, so they ban speech about the technology." He declined to comment further on the lawsuit as he and his legal team prepare to respond. Coast Runner was also contacted for comment, but did not respond by the time of publication.
This lawsuit raises questions about the balance between individual rights and public safety, and the role of technology in this ongoing debate. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and let us know your opinions. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.