Maryland Officials Take Action Against Glock for Selling Modifiable Firearms

In a significant move, Maryland Attorney General Antony G. Brown and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott filed a lawsuit against Glock, Inc. on Wednesday. The lawsuit seeks to hold the gun manufacturer accountable for the sale of semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted into illegal machine guns using what’s commonly called a ‘Glock Switch.’

Allegations Against Glock

The legal action asserts that Glock manufactures handguns that are frequently recovered in connection with criminal activities across Baltimore and the broader state of Maryland. According to the lawsuit, these pistols pose a direct threat to public safety.

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. This case shows that our Office will hold members of the firearms industry accountable for their role in the gun violence epidemic.” He condemned the company’s practices, stating it is unacceptable for entities to distribute products that can readily be modified to harm communities.

Concerns Over Public Safety

The lawsuit claims that Glock jeopardizes public health and safety in Maryland by manufacturing and selling semi-automatic pistols that can be modified into machine guns through the use of auto sears. These devices, often referred to as ‘Glock Switches,’ are inexpensive and pose a serious risk.

In a press release from Brown’s office, they highlighted significant historical context. Machine guns have been tightly regulated under Maryland and federal law for nearly a century due to their high potential for danger. The lawsuit asserts that Glock’s ongoing sale of easily convertible pistols allows criminals access to fully automatic weaponry.

Law Enforcement’s Alarm

An agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, commonly known as ATF, expressed serious concerns regarding firearms equipped with auto sears. He described their use as “one of the scariest things” the agency has faced in recent decades. Once the switches are installed, these pistols can fire at astounding rates, reaching up to 1,200 rounds per minute, equivalent to or exceeding many fully automatic firearms used by military forces.

Legislative Background

The lawsuit, filed in the Circuit Court of Maryland in Baltimore City, marks a historic moment as it utilizes Maryland’s new Gun Industry Accountability Act, which became law in 2024. This law prohibits members of the firearm industry from knowingly causing any public harm through their sales and promotions of firearm-related products.

Recent Data on Modified Firearms

Although Glock has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this lawsuit, the legal documents indicate alarming statistics. Between 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Police recovered at least 100 illegally modified Glock pistols linked to various crime scenes and investigations. This troubling data showcases the urgent need for legislative and judicial actions to address gun violence.

Calls for Accountability and Action

The lawsuit’s plaintiffs are seeking an injunction to prevent Glock from continuing to sell these easily modifiable pistols to Maryland civilians. Furthermore, they are pursuing restitution and abatement measures to mitigate the public safety risks posed by these weapons.

Mayor Scott pointed out the importance of holding all parties responsible in the ongoing fight against gun violence. He remarked, “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.” He reiterated the city’s commitment to achieving historic decreases in homicide rates and nonfatal shootings while emphasizing the need to intensify their efforts in combating violence.

What Lies Ahead?

As this legal battle unfolds, it underscores a broader national conversation about gun control, public safety, and the responsibilities of firearms manufacturers. Both state officials and community leaders hope that such legal measures will pave the way for stricter regulations and a more significant reduction in gun-related violence.

This case puts Glock in the spotlight and may serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion about firearm accountability in the United States. Whether the lawsuit will lead to meaningful change in the firearms industry remains to be seen.