The state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore are suing gun manufacturer Glock, accusing the company of allowing its handguns to be easily modified into illegal machine-gun-style weapons. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Baltimore City Circuit Court, aims to halt the sale and distribution of Glocks in Maryland unless the company redesigns its firearms to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Officials Say Modifications Turn Glocks Into Dangerous Weapons
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott did not mince words. “These attachments, primarily used on Glocks and ghost guns, are turning basic firearms into illegal automatic machine guns that can fire as fast or faster than military-grade weapons,” he said at a virtual press conference announcing the lawsuit.
State Attorney General Anthony Brown echoed that concern, stating that the lawsuit seeks three major actions:
- A court order barring Glock from selling and manufacturing its pistols in Maryland.
- A mandate forcing Glock to implement safety measures to prevent illegal modifications.
- Restitution to hold the company accountable for its alleged role in gun violence across the state.
Brown emphasized that Maryland lawmakers equipped prosecutors with legal tools to challenge firearm manufacturers under the 2024 Gun Industry Accountability Act, which allows lawsuits against gun companies for creating a public nuisance.
What Is an Auto Sear, and Why Is It a Concern?
An auto sear is a small device—often no larger than a coin—that can be installed in minutes, transforming a semi-automatic Glock into a fully automatic weapon. With one pull of the trigger, a modified Glock can unleash a rapid burst of bullets, making it difficult to control and exponentially more lethal in public spaces.
Law enforcement officials say these devices have been increasingly recovered in violent crime scenes across the country. The lawsuit claims Glock could have taken steps to make its firearms resistant to such modifications but chose not to.
Glock Under Fire, But Silent on the Lawsuit
Glock has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit. Gun-rights groups, both at the state and national levels, have also remained silent on the matter.
Meanwhile, legal experts say this case could set a precedent. If Maryland succeeds, other states may follow suit, putting pressure on gun manufacturers to proactively prevent illegal modifications.
Eric Tirschwell, executive director of Everytown Law and an attorney involved in the case, said Glock’s design is uniquely susceptible to being converted into an illegal machine gun. “They knew, and they did nothing,” he added.
Potential Impact on Gun Laws and the Firearms Industry
This legal battle could have far-reaching consequences:
- Legal Precedents: If Maryland wins, other states may use similar strategies to hold firearm manufacturers accountable.
- Industry Reforms: Gun makers might be forced to redesign firearms to prevent modifications.
- Gun Control Debates: The case could fuel further legislative efforts to curb gun violence at both state and federal levels.
Gun industry analysts will be watching closely. The case could reshape how manufacturers approach firearm safety and design. If the lawsuit gains traction, Glock—and potentially other gunmakers—may be compelled to make significant changes to their production processes.
Comments