Maryland, Baltimore sue Glock over gun violence crisis

Baltimore officials, including Mayor Brandon Scott and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, have filed a lawsuit against Glock, alleging the company is responsible for the rise in gun violence due to its semiautomatic pistols being easily converted into illegal machine guns using a device known as a 'Glock switch.' This lawsuit is the first to utilize Maryland's new Gun Industry Accountability Act, which holds firearm manufacturers accountable for products that contribute to harm. Mayor Scott highlighted a significant increase in the recovery of modified Glocks, with numbers jumping from 35 in 2023 to 65 in 2024, and underscored the impact of these weapons on violent crimes in Baltimore. The lawsuit demands that Glock cease selling its pistols in Maryland, implement safety measures, and provide restitution for its role in the gun violence crisis. Attorney General Brown criticized Glock for prioritizing profit over safety, emphasizing the need to hold the gun industry accountable. Glock has not yet responded to the lawsuit, but has previously argued against liability for the actions of third parties.