Baltimore officials have filed a lawsuit against Glock, blaming the gun manufacturer for the illegal conversion of its pistols into fully automatic weapons. They demand that the company redesign its firearms and pay restitution for gun-related violence in the city.
Key Facts:
- Baltimore is suing Glock, claiming its pistols can be too easily modified into automatic weapons with illegal “Glock switches.”
- Mayor Brandon Scott and Attorney General Anthony Brown demand Glock stop selling in Maryland, implement safety measures, and pay damages.
- The lawsuit claims Glock could redesign its weapons to prevent modifications but has failed to do so.
- The number of illegally modified Glock pistols recovered in Baltimore nearly doubled from 35 in 2023 to 65 in 2024.
- Glock has faced similar lawsuits from Chicago and attorneys general in New Jersey and Minnesota.
The Rest of The Story:
Baltimore officials argue that Glock’s pistols are uniquely susceptible to illegal modifications and, therefore, the company bears responsibility for their use in violent crimes.
They claim criminals are exploiting this design flaw to commit carjackings, drug-related offenses, and shootings.
The lawsuit’s three demands: “(1) A court order banning Glock from selling and manufacturing these pistols in Maryland, (2) a court order forcing Glock to implement reasonable safety measures, and (3) restitution to hold Glock accountable for its role in Maryland’s gun violence crisis.”
62.4% Black city of Baltimore, Maryland sues @GLOCKInc, blaming the defense manufacturer for developing handguns that can be easily switched to automatic weapons.
Follow @JR_Newswire pic.twitter.com/qVIIUVZ0rR
— Justice Report (@JR_Newswire) February 13, 2025
Everytown Law, a gun control advocacy group, is supporting the lawsuit, contending that Glock should be held accountable for not preventing modifications.
Glock has not responded to the lawsuit, but the company has previously denied liability for illegal modifications, stating that criminals, not manufacturers, are responsible for gun violence.
Commentary:
This lawsuit is another example of liberal politicians targeting gun manufacturers instead of addressing the real problem: criminals who break the law.
Glock does not produce or distribute illegal “Glock switches,” nor does it encourage their use.
The company sells legally compliant firearms, and blaming it for the illegal actions of criminals is both unfair and misguided.
Baltimore officials are using this lawsuit to deflect from their own failures in addressing rising crime.
Instead of cracking down on repeat offenders, enforcing existing laws, or ensuring that criminals stay behind bars, they are attempting to hold a manufacturer accountable for something entirely outside its control.
If a criminal modifies a car to make it faster for illegal drag racing, should the automaker be sued? If a kitchen knife is used in a crime, should the knife company be held responsible?
The logic behind this lawsuit is deeply flawed and ignores the reality that criminals, not objects, commit crimes.
Glock may choose to modify its designs, but it should not be legally obligated to do so.
The responsibility lies with law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges to enforce laws against illegal gun modifications and punish those who break them.
Going after gun makers won’t stop violent criminals—it only undermines the rights of lawful gun owners.
The Bottom Line:
Baltimore’s lawsuit against Glock is yet another attempt to shift blame away from policymakers and onto gun manufacturers.
While illegal modifications are a concern, the responsibility lies with criminals, not the company making a legally sold product.
If cities want to reduce gun violence, they should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than pushing legally dubious lawsuits against firearm manufacturers.
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