New York Sen. Charles Schumer (D.) wrote letters to Amazon and eBay urging them and other online retailers to stop selling gun-grip iPhone cases on their platforms.
Schumer argues that the case "creates danger when seen in kids' pockets" and likely breaks federal law, according to press release posted to his website Tuesday.
Versions of the cases available online come in multiple colors and feature imitation trigger guards, grips, and barrels. The particular "Gun Grip Case" cited by Schumer resembles a 9mm handgun and features an imitation trigger guard and grip.
"Any retailer willing to sell this potentially dangerous and tasteless handgun iPhone case is making a very bad call and putting lives at risk," Schumer declared in a statement. "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."
According to Schumer, the cases likely violate a federal law (15 U.S.C. 5001) that requires imitation firearms to include a "blaze orange plug" in the barrel.
"Concerns about realistic looking fake weapons are precisely why federal law prohibits such products to be sold in the United States without a distinguishing orange blaze so observers know that they are not real. ... The products being listed on the aforementioned sites does not have the necessary identifying orange plug," Schumer wrote in his letters to Amazon and eBay.
Both online retailers immediately agreed to Schumer's request, confirming to reporters they would remove the products from their websites, the Hill reported.