Baltimore has taken a bold step in addressing escalating concerns over gun violence by filing a lawsuit against firearm manufacturer Glock. The legal action centers on design features of Glock handguns that allegedly enable easy modification into fully automatic weapons, a transformation that amplifies their potential for destruction. This move echoes similar lawsuits previously initiated in regions like Chicago, Minnesota, and New Jersey.
The city argues that Glock's design decisions have inadvertently, or perhaps deliberately, increased the firearms' appeal to criminals by making them adaptable with small, easily obtained conversion devices known as Glock switches, or auto sears. These modifications, typically accessible for a mere $20 or through simple 3D printing, allow the firearms to unleash a rapid spray of gunfire—achieving rates of up to 1,200 rounds per minute. Federal regulations prohibit the sale and possession of such modified firearms, yet the practice persists.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown voiced his concerns during a recent press briefing, stating, Our laws should protect the public, not arm criminals with military-grade firepower. He highlighted that the operation and impact of these devices, often referred to colloquially as spray and pray by ATF agents, result in uncontrollable and perilous scenarios.
With the state of Maryland joining Baltimore in this lawsuit, the officials seek comprehensive judicial intervention. They aim for an injunction to halt the sales of specific Glock firearms within Maryland. Also on the agenda are calls for court-ordered safety improvements alongside financial reparations to fund anti-violence initiatives.
Critics of Glock argue that the company, well-known for providing handguns to law enforcement, has been aware of and benefited from their firearms' easy convertibility. According to Eric Tirschwell, Executive Director of Everytown Law, the ease of conversion is perceived as a selling point among certain circles. Additionally, Baltimore's Police Commissioner Richard Worley noted that law enforcement often finds themselves outmatched by criminals equipped with these modified weapons.
In a disturbing trend, Baltimore police documented the recovery of 65 such modified Glock firearms in 2024, a noticeable increase from 35 in 2023. Moreover, according to the lawsuit, around half of the individuals apprehended with these weapons were younger than 21, highlighting the worrying infiltration of violent firearm culture among youth communities in the city.
The legal action against Glock is part of a broader strategy by Baltimore's leadership to combat gun violence by leveraging civil litigation. Beyond targeting Glock, Baltimore previously settled a lawsuit with ghost gun manufacturer Polymer80, enforcing stricter controls over untraceable weapon sales in Maryland—a testament to their proactive stance.
Mayor Brandon Scott has affirmed the city's commitment to mobilizing every resource at our disposal to sustain recent achievements in reducing gun violence. These endeavors are complemented by significant shifts in lawmaking, including the Maryland General Assembly's recent enactments. One such law facilitates civil actions against firearm industry stakeholders who fail to implement necessary safety measures.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Baltimore's effort to curb gun violence through innovative policy and litigation exemplifies a growing recognition that solving gun-related issues requires more than traditional policing tactics. Whether this lawsuit will set a precedent for holding manufacturers accountable for the broader impacts of their products remains to be seen, but it signals a strong community resolve to prioritize public safety over industry interests.