In a bold move to address the escalating gun violence, Maryland Attorney General Antony G. Brown and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott have filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Glock, Inc. This legal action accuses the gun manufacturer of contributing to public endangerment by selling semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted into illegal machine guns using a device known as a “Glock Switch.” The lawsuit marks a significant step in holding the firearm industry accountable, leveraging Maryland’s newly enacted Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024.
At the heart of the issue is the “Glock Switch,” a small, inexpensive device that transforms semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons, capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute. This conversion not only violates federal and state laws but also poses a severe threat to public safety. The lawsuit highlights that Glock’s knowledge of this modification and their continued sale of these firearms constitute a reckless disregard for public health and safety, enabling criminals to wield firepower akin to military-grade weapons.
Maryland’s Gun Industry Accountability Act, signed into law in 2024, provides the legal framework for this action. The law holds firearm manufacturers and sellers accountable if their products contribute to public harm. This lawsuit is the first to utilize this legislation, underscoring the state’s commitment to curbing gun violence through legal measures. The AG’s office emphasizes that Glock’s inaction in addressing the modifiability of their pistols allows criminals to access dangerous weaponry, exacerbating the epidemic of gun violence.
The City of Baltimore Police Department has reported recovering at least 100 illegally modified Glock pistols between 2023 and 2024, directly linking these weapons to crime scenes and criminal investigations. This data illustrates the tangible impact of Glock’s products on community safety. The lawsuit seeks to prevent further distribution of these firearms in Maryland, aiming to stop the influx of easily modifiable guns that end up in the wrong hands.
Attorney General Brown and Mayor Scott are advocating for comprehensive relief, including restitution and abatement. They emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing gun violence, holding accountable not only the perpetrators but also the manufacturers whose products facilitate such violence. This stance reflects a broader strategy to tackle the root causes of crime, acknowledging the intricate relationship between firearm accessibility and public safety.
In the broader context, this lawsuit aligns with ongoing national discussions about gun control and manufacturer accountability. It challenges the firearm industry to prioritize public safety over profits, setting a precedent that could influence other states to take similar legal actions. The emotional and human impact of gun violence is paramount, with officials urging the industry to consider the grief of affected families and the terror inflicted on communities by these modified weapons. This case not only seeks legal recourse but also aims to provoke a cultural shift within the industry, emphasizing ethical responsibility in manufacturing and distribution practices.
