MD, Baltimore mayor target Glock for selling pistols that can be converted into machine guns

Maryland and Baltimore Leaders Take on Glock in Landmark Lawsuit to Address Gun Violence

In a significant move to tackle the rampant gun violence plaguing their communities, Maryland Attorney General Antony G. Brown and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott have jointly filed a lawsuit against Glock, Inc. The legal action targets the gun manufacturer for its role in producing and selling semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted into illegal machine guns using a device known as a "Glock Switch." This lawsuit marks a bold step by state and local leaders to hold the firearms industry accountable for its contribution to the alarming rates of gun violence, particularly in Baltimore, where crime rates remain a pressing concern.

At the heart of the lawsuit is the assertion that Glock’s products are frequently found at crime scenes in both Baltimore and across Maryland. The legal filing claims that the company’s handguns are disproportionately linked to criminal activities, undermining public safety. Attorney General Brown emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We will not allow the gun industry to turn a blind eye to grieving families and pursue profit over people’s lives." He further stressed that the case underscores the commitment of his office to hold the firearms industry accountable for its role in perpetuating violence. By targeting Glock, the lawsuit aims to address what plaintiffs describe as a dangerous loophole in firearm regulation.

Central to the lawsuit is the accusation that Glock’s semi-automatic pistols can be easily modified into fully automatic weapons with the use of a "Glock Switch," a small, inexpensive device. Once installed, these switches enable the pistols to fire at an alarming rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute, rivaling the firepower of military-grade machine guns. The lawsuit argues that Glock has failed to address this issue, despite the well-documented risks associated with such modifications. Attorney General Brown’s office highlighted the extreme danger posed by these modified weapons, noting that they are among the most feared threats law enforcement has encountered in recent decades. The plaintiffs contend that Glock’s inaction has allowed criminals to access weapons of war, exacerbating the already dire situation of gun violence in Maryland.

This legal challenge is the first to utilize Maryland’s Gun Industry Accountability Act, a landmark legislation passed in 2024. The law holds members of the firearms industry accountable if they knowingly contribute to public harm through the sale, manufacture, distribution, or marketing of their products. The lawsuit alleges that Glock has violated this law by continuing to sell handguns that can be easily converted into illegal machine guns, despite the obvious risks. By invoking this legislation, the plaintiffs aim to establish a precedent that would force gun manufacturers to prioritize public safety over profits.

The scope of the problem is underscored by the sheer number of illegally modified Glock pistols recovered in Baltimore. Between 2023 and 2024, the Baltimore Police Department reportedly seized at least 100 such weapons, many of which were linked to violent crimes. Mayor Brandon Scott described the situation as unacceptable, stating, "Confronting the epidemic of gun violence in our communities means holding everyone responsible, from those pulling the trigger to those making it easier to access — and modify — weapons." The lawsuit seeks to prevent Glock from continuing to sell these "easily modifiable" pistols to civilians in Maryland, while also seeking restitution and measures to address the ongoing harm caused by the company’s actions.

As Baltimore continues to grapple with high rates of gun violence, Mayor Scott highlighted the progress made in reducing homicides and nonfatal shootings, but stressed the need for continued action. "We must continue to redouble our efforts to drive violence down even more," he said. The lawsuit against Glock represents a broader effort to address the root causes of gun violence, shifting some of the responsibility from individual perpetrators to the corporations that manufacture and distribute firearms. While Glock has not publicly responded to the allegations, the case is likely to draw national attention, setting a potential precedent for similar legal challenges against other gun manufacturers.

In summary, the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Brown and Mayor Scott is a historic step toward holding the firearms industry accountable for its role in perpetuating gun violence. By targeting Glock’s sale of easily modifiable handguns, the plaintiffs aim to prevent criminals from accessing weapons capable of inflicting mass casualties. The case not only reflects the ongoing struggle to address gun violence in Maryland but also represents a broader shift in how governments are approaching the issue—by challenging the practices of gun manufacturers and distributors. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the firearms industry and public safety across the United States.