Kash Patel gifts illegal guns to New Zealand officials

In a controversial visit to New Zealand, FBI Director Kash Patel presented gifts of inoperable pistols to high-ranking police and intelligence officials. This event occurred on July 31, 2023, during his trip to Wellington to inaugurate the FBI's new standalone office in the country. The pistols, 3D-printed and deemed illegal under New Zealand's strict gun laws, were judged by local regulators to be potentially operable despite being rendered inoperable before being gifted. Consequently, they had to be surrendered and destroyed shortly after receipt, which sparked a debate over the appropriateness of such gifts. New Zealand maintains stringent gun control measures, viewing gun ownership as a privilege rather than a right and treating all firearms, including 3D-printed versions, as potentially operable. The gifts were part of a challenge coin display stand and led to questions about whether the officials had the necessary permits to accept them. Following the incident, the police commissioner stated they sought guidance on the legality of the gifts, emphasizing the importance of understanding local laws regarding firearm possession, even for inoperable weapons. Patel's visit attracted attention not only for the gun gift controversy but also due to his comments regarding countering China's influence in the region. This declaration was received with caution in New Zealand, where officials later clarified that the main objectives of the new FBI office were to address issues related to child exploitation and drug trafficking, rather than international political rivalries. The FBI's increased presence in New Zealand represents a shift in their operational focus, having previously worked under oversight from Australia. The unannounced nature of Patel's visit and the subsequent diplomatic discomfort raised questions about transparency and collaboration in intelligence matters between the countries. The powerful law enforcement figures who received the gifts, including New Zealand’s Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, suggested that the incident could have been managed differently, indicating the complex interplay of international diplomacy, law enforcement, and local regulations surrounding responsible weapon gifting.