Schumer: New Gun Grip iPhone Case Likely Violates Federal Law; Senatory Calls on Amazon & Ebay To Immediately Stop Selling Disaster Waiting To Happen Case Made To Look Exactly Like A Real Gun; Case Creates Danger When Seen In Kids' Pockets; Urges Feds To Block Gun Grip Case Now

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today publicly urged online retailers, including Amazon and eBay, to immediately stop selling potentially dangerous iPhone cases made to look exactly like a real gun. The Senator also revealed a federal law that is likely being broken by the makers of the new iPhone gun grip case--the same federal law he is urging Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to target as part of his push to halt the import of the gun grip cases that are making their way to the pockets of young people. The fake gun phone case features the grip of an actual gun and trigger guard, and can be found online for approximately $5.00-$49.00. Schumer cited fervent warnings by the NYPD when describing the very real dangers of the new iPhone gun grip case, which is advertised to complement a person's front or back pocket, brandished as if it were a real weapon.

"Any retailer willing to sell this potentially dangerous and tasteless handgun iPhone case is making a very bad call and putting lives at risk. We should be doing everything in our power to end the rash of gun violence across the country, however, this product simply promotes it. Moreover, this iPhone gun case can result in tragedy if mistaken for a real gun. I hope that Amazon and eBay take urgent action and remove all gun grip phone case products from their sites," said Senator Schumer.

The "Gun Grip Case," which can be used on iPhones 5, 5S, 6, 6S can be found online at Amazon.com and eBay.com through third party retailers. The cellphone case closely resembles a 9mm handgun and is comprised of the grip of a gun and trigger guard. An iPhone can be placed in the middle section of the case. Online retailers describe the phone case as "cool," "trendy," and "stylish." However, local law enforcement in New York City and Long Island have raised concerns about the new phone case because they look disturbingly similar to a real weapon and can be easily mistaken for a gun. In addition, the "Gun Grip Case" can be used with a Russian roulette app that transforms your phone's screen into the image of a gun barrel.

Schumer highlighted federal law (15 USC 5001) that requires "each toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm [to] have as an integral part, permanently affixed, a blaze orange plug inserted in the barrel of such toy, look-alike or imitation firearm." Schumer said that because the "Gun Grip Case" is a look-alike firearm, it must include an orange plug in the barrel. As it stands, the "Gun Grip Case' is likely in violation of this federal law and therefore, illegal to sell and transport.

Schumer urged Amazon and eBay to immediately stop selling the iPhone gun grip cases on their sites and cites the federal law in his letter to the online retailing giants. Schumer also urged CBP to examine whether or not imports of these gun cases to the U.S. should be stopped. Schumer said not only do these cases likely violate federal law, they can also result in dangerous consequences if a law enforcement agent or other individual mistakes the case for a real gun and fires a weapon in defense. Schumer said this product is a disaster waiting to happen and that the feds should crackdown on this dangerous product before disaster strikes.

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