Sen. Chuck Schumer (D, N.Y.) has pressed for a federal investigation into a new handgun that is designed to look like an iPhone in an attempt to ban it from store shelves.
Schumer called the "real, deadly" gun an "imminent threat" that officials should investigate immediately during a press conference Monday.
The .380 caliber gun, created by firearm manufacturer Ideal Conceal, is expected to be released in mid-2016. Schumer said 4,000 people have pre-ordered the $395 weapon.
"The latest ‘great idea’ for a concealed gun should come with 9-1-1 on speed dial because this iPhone gun is a disaster waiting to happen," Schumer said in a statement. "Imagine a scenario in which a police officer is not able to tell whether a violent criminal is pulling out a gun or an iPhone."
He called on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Justice to investigate the weapon. Firearms that are intended to mimic other objects, like wallets, pens or knives, are illegal under federal law, according to Schumer.
Ideal Conceal said the gun was "ingeniously designed to resemble a smartphone, yet with one click of the safety it opens and is ready to fire."
"Smartphones are EVERYWHERE, so your new pistol will easily blend in with today’s environment," the company wrote in its product description. "In its locked position it will be virtually undetectable because it hides in plain sight."
Schumer last July expressed concerns over an iPhone case that looked like a gun and urged online retailers to restrict sales.
In letters to Amazon and eBay, he said the cases "creates danger when seen in kids’ pockets" and said they were likely illegal.
"Just like toys that too much look like handguns should not be sold, handguns that look too much like toys should not be sold," Schumer told reporters Tuesday.