Lawsuit Targets Glock’s Role in Increasing Gun Violence
Baltimore and the state of Maryland have filed a lawsuit against gun manufacturer Glock, accusing the company of designing and selling handguns that can be easily modified into fully automatic weapons. Officials argue that these modifications, which allow criminals to unleash continuous gunfire, pose a major threat to public safety. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, follows similar legal actions against Glock in Chicago, Minnesota, and New Jersey.
According to the complaint, Glock firearms can be converted with small devices known as “Glock switches” or “auto sears,” which allow the guns to fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute instead of one bullet per trigger pull. Officials claim the company has failed to implement safety features that would prevent these modifications, despite knowing how easily its weapons can be adapted.
‘Faster Than Weapons of War,’ Officials Say
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, speaking at a press conference, emphasized the danger of modified Glock handguns.
“That’s faster than the weapons of war that I used in the Army,” Brown said. “ATF agents call it ‘spray and pray’ because once the trigger is pulled, there’s no control — only carnage.”
Baltimore’s lawsuit argues that Glock is well aware of how its guns are being altered and that the company’s failure to prevent these modifications has fueled gun violence, particularly among young people. Officials say that in 2024 alone, Baltimore police recovered 65 modified Glock handguns, nearly double the number found in the previous year.
Glock Switches Fueling Crime, Lawsuit Claims
Glock switches, which can be purchased for as little as $20 or even 3D-printed, have become increasingly common at crime scenes across the country. The federal government bans the sale and possession of machine guns, with rare exceptions, but the lawsuit claims that Glock’s design choices make it easy for criminals to circumvent the law.
“Glock could have designed its pistols to prevent auto sears from working. They chose not to. That choice cost lives,” Brown said.
The company has not responded to requests for comment, and it has previously remained silent on similar lawsuits. However, a national gun industry group has condemned the lawsuits in other states as “frivolous” and an attempt to misuse the judicial system.
Officers Are ‘Outmatched’ by Criminals
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley warned that modified Glock handguns are making it harder for law enforcement officers to protect the public.
“The recent proliferation of Glock switches means my officers increasingly find themselves outmatched by criminals,” Worley said.
The lawsuit notes that nearly half of those arrested in Baltimore with modified Glocks since 2023 were under 21 years old. Officials believe the easy availability of these devices is contributing to a culture of gun violence among young men in the city.
Legal Action Aims to Stop Sales, Fund Anti-Violence Efforts
Filed in state court in Baltimore, the lawsuit accuses Glock of violating Maryland’s public nuisance laws. It seeks an injunction to block the sale of certain firearms in the state, along with court-ordered safety measures. The lawsuit also demands financial restitution, which could help fund local anti-violence programs.
Maryland lawmakers have already taken steps to address the issue. The state passed legislation last year that allows civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers that fail to meet safety standards. Another law specifically banned the sale of auto sears and similar conversion devices.
Baltimore’s Broader Fight Against Gun Violence
This is not the first time Baltimore has taken legal action against gun manufacturers. City officials previously sued Polymer80, a leading producer of ghost guns, which led to a settlement preventing the company from selling its untraceable, unassembled firearms to Maryland residents. Polymer80 later shut down after facing multiple lawsuits nationwide.
Baltimore has seen a recent decline in gun violence, thanks to increased investment in anti-violence programs, improved policing strategies, and post-pandemic recovery efforts. However, Mayor Brandon Scott made it clear that the city will continue using every tool available—including litigation—to keep crime rates down.
“We are mobilizing every resource at our disposal to continue these positive trends,” Scott said. “That includes holding gun manufacturers accountable.”
