FBI Director Kash Patel gifted New Zealand’s country police inoperable pistols that were illegal under local law, resulting in their destruction, according to a report from the Associated Press.
The guns, given to three senior security officials for New Zealand, were 3D-printed replica pistols, the report said, citing New Zealand law enforcement agencies.
Patel gave the replicas when he visited the country in July to open the first FBI office in Wellington.
New Zealand has strict gun laws which require an additional permit for possessing pistols specifically.
The incident comes amid heightened criticism of Patel following the investigation into the Charlie Kirk assassination, as well as the director’s comments about the January 6 investigation.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to come.