SAN ANTONIO, TX – Federal authorities in Texas are escalating the war on illegal firearms with the launch of “Operation Texas Kill Switch,” a statewide initiative aimed at crippling the proliferation of machine gun conversion devices, commonly called “switches.” The announcement, made simultaneously in press conferences across the state, signals a hardening stance against these devices that turn ordinary handguns into weapons capable of devastating firepower.
U.S. Attorneys Jaime Esparza (Western District of Texas), Leigha Simonton (Northern District of Texas), Alamdar Hamdani (Southern District of Texas), and Damien Diggs (Eastern District of Texas) joined forces with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF) Special Agents in Charge Jeffrey Boshek and Michael Weddel, and ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper, to condemn the growing threat posed by “switches.” These small devices, often manufactured using 3D printers, allow a firearm to mimic the full-automatic capabilities of military-grade weapons, firing dozens of rounds with a single trigger pull. “As U.S. Attorneys and federal law enforcement agents, our offices have been investigating and prosecuting switches for many years, but as the problem continues to escalate, we are determined to do more,” Esparza stated.
The devices, roughly an inch in length and made of either metal or plastic, are increasingly linked to violent crime. Authorities revealed that switches have been implicated in numerous fatal shootings, including at least one juvenile mass shooting and multiple killings of police officers. Despite being illegal under the National Firearms Act – classified as machine guns themselves – the number of seized switches has skyrocketed. ATF agents in Texas recovered 991 switches between 2017 and 2023, with a staggering 490 seized in 2023 alone. These devices are readily available for purchase via social media, often marketed to both adults and minors.
“Today’s threat comes from machinegun conversion devices that easily convert a firearm into a machinegun,” explained Special Agent in Charge Weddel. “These ‘Switches’ as they are often called on the streets, not only pose a serious threat to those living in our communities but a unique and deadly threat to law enforcement. Simply possessing one of these devices is a federal crime.” To bolster the operation, the U.S. Attorneys are partnering with Crime Stopper programs statewide, offering cash rewards for information leading to the apprehension or prosecution of individuals possessing switches or the 3D printers used to create them. Tipsters can contact their local Crime Stoppers program or use the **TIPS** hotline. All information is guaranteed to be anonymous, and tips can be submitted 24/7.
The “Operation Texas Kill Switch” initiative isn’t just about arrests; it’s a call for increased collaboration. U.S. Attorneys are actively urging state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with federal authorities on switch cases, highlighting that convictions carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. The U.S. Attorneys detailed their strategy in a joint op-ed published Monday in the Austin American Statesman, further solidifying their commitment to dismantling the illegal switch market. Citizens can also submit information directly to the ATF at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips.
The reward program runs through August 31st. Authorities emphasize that even possessing a switch constitutes a federal crime, and they are prepared to dedicate significant resources to identifying and prosecuting those involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and use of these dangerous devices. This operation is a clear message: the days of easily converting legal firearms into illegal machine guns in Texas are numbered.
RELATED: Texas Feds Crack Down on ‘Switches’, Deadly Machinegun Conversion Devices
RELATED: Texas Feds Crack Down on Deadly ‘Switches’
Related Federal Cases
- Paxton Slams Illegal Kids ‘Transitioning’ in Texas · Texas
- Gang Leader Bonilla and Five Accomplices Busted in East Texas Illegal Gambling Ring · Texas
- Senior Fraud Workshop Alert: U.S. Attorney’s Office in Texas Targets Medicare Scams · Texas
- Oklahoma Pipeline Fined $3.3M for Massive Jet Fuel Spill in Texas! · Alabama
- Border Blitz: 251 New Immigration Cases Flood Texas Courts · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News