Defense Distributed’s new era—Cody Wilson resigns, former arts professional steps in

Enlarge / Paloma Heindorff (center), spoke Tuesday in Austin, announcing herself as the new head of Defense Distributed. (credit: Nathan Mattise)

AUSTIN, Texas-Defense Distributed announced Tuesday that founder Cody Wilson had resigned from the company as of last Friday. The company is now under new leadership-Paloma Heindorff is taking over as director. Previously, Heindorff served as a vice president focused on development and operations during her three years with Defense Distributed.

"He's been an incredibly powerful figure, but this is about an idea," Heindorff said when asked how the company will move on from its founder. "We believe in something, and that something isn't one man-it's an idea."

Wilson's resignation comes after allegations of sexually assaulting an underage girl led to the 3D-printed gun activist's arrest last Friday in Taiwan. Wilson had previously skipped his return flight from the country in a reported attempt to evade authorities. While overseas, Wilson posed as a student and attempted to make a down payment on a Taipei rental.

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