Baltimore Wins $62M Verdict Against Maryland Ghost Gun Dealer

Baltimore City won a historic $62 million verdict against Maryland gun retailer Hanover Armory, which was accused of illegally selling unserialized 'ghost guns' linked to violent crime in the city. Ghost guns, often sold as kits without serial numbers or background checks, have surged in Baltimore, with a reported nearly 1500% increase in recoveries from 2019 to 2022 tied to shootings and murders. Mayor Brandon Scott hailed the verdict as a major victory in the city's fight against illegal ghost guns, emphasizing that irresponsible companies profiting from these sales have no place in Baltimore or beyond. The city had previously settled with Polymer80, a ghost gun manufacturer, for $1.2 million. The awarded funds are set to support community violence intervention programs aimed at reducing gun violence. Hanover Armory plans to appeal the decision, while critics argue that law enforcement and policy failures also contribute to Baltimore's crime issues.