Baltimore, a city long plagued by high homicide rates, is now taking legal action against one of the most well-known gun manufacturers in the world. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott have filed a lawsuit against Glock Inc., claiming the company’s firearms are fueling gun violence by being too easily modified into fully automatic weapons.
According to WBAL-TV 11, city and state leaders argue that Glock has knowingly allowed its pistols to be converted into illegal machine guns, leading to devastating consequences in Baltimore’s streets.
Baltimore’s Place Among America’s Most Violent Cities
Baltimore ranks third among major U.S. cities in homicide rate, according to USAFacts, with 255 homicides in 2022, translating to 44.7 murders per 100,000 people. The city trails only New Orleans and St. Louis in this grim statistic. The lawsuit against Glock is framed as a response to this crisis, with officials alleging that illegal modifications of Glock firearms are playing a key role in Baltimore’s violent crime problem.
The Glock Modification Problem
The lawsuit hinges on a small device known as a “Glock switch,” or auto sear, which can be easily installed onto a Glock pistol, transforming it into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute. As reported by WBFF FOX45 Baltimore, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley described an alarming rise in modified Glocks recovered at crime scenes – from 35 in 2023 to 65 in 2024. In total, Baltimore police have seized around 100 illegally modified Glocks in just two years.
“Spray and Pray” Chaos in the Streets
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has expressed concern over the rapid spread of these modifications. Officials refer to modified Glocks as “spray and pray” weapons due to their uncontrollable firing speed. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, quoted by WBAL-TV 11, emphasized how these weapons contribute to chaos: “Each bullet fired in Baltimore streets leaves behind more than shell casings. It leaves shattered families, grieving parents, and communities in fear.”
Glock’s Alleged Negligence
The lawsuit asserts that Glock has failed to “implement reasonable controls” that would prevent their firearms from being so easily modified. As stated by Everytown Law executive director Eric Tirschwell, Glock has “made the reprehensible business decision to continue profiting from the sales of its easily modifiable guns.” The lawsuit argues that Glock could alter its design to prevent modifications but has chosen not to, making them legally accountable under Maryland’s newly passed Gun Industry Accountability Act.
Gun Rights Advocates Call Foul
While city officials frame this lawsuit as a step toward reducing gun violence, gun rights activists see it as an attack on lawful gun ownership. Jared Yanis, host of the Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News YouTube channel, called the lawsuit a “direct assault on the firearms industry” and an attempt to go around federal protections for gun manufacturers. Yanis argued that many firearms – not just Glocks – can theoretically be modified and that the blame should fall on criminals, not the manufacturer.
A National Conversation on Gun Laws
This lawsuit is part of a larger trend of legal challenges against gun manufacturers. As WBFF FOX45 Baltimore reports, Maryland has already taken legal action against other firearm companies. In 2022, Baltimore settled a lawsuit against Polymer80, a major manufacturer of so-called “ghost guns,” for $1.2 million. Additionally, in 2024, Maryland and Washington, D.C., sued three Rockville gun shops for allegedly fueling gun trafficking. The lawsuit against Glock is the first test of Maryland’s new law, but it could set a precedent for more lawsuits across the country.
The Political Divide on Gun Accountability
Supporters of the lawsuit argue that corporations should bear responsibility for their role in violence, while opponents claim that this legal strategy unfairly targets gun makers rather than the criminals committing the acts. According to WBFF, Mayor Brandon Scott believes that legal action is essential in holding manufacturers accountable, stating, “We will not allow the gun industry to turn a blind eye to grieving families and pursue profit over people’s lives.” Meanwhile, Jared Yanis argues that the lawsuit is politically motivated, designed to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a federal law that shields gun manufacturers from liability when their products are used in crimes.
Can Gun Lawsuits Actually Reduce Crime?
There’s an ongoing debate over whether lawsuits like this actually reduce crime. While Maryland officials argue that preventing the sale of easily modifiable weapons will cut down on violent shootings, critics say that criminals will always find ways to access weapons illegally. As WBAL-TV 11 reported, about half of the people arrested in Baltimore with modified Glocks were under the age of 21, suggesting that the issue extends beyond just legal firearm sales.
The Bigger Picture: Crime and Punishment
The numbers paint a bleak picture: Baltimore remains one of the most violent cities in America, and officials are scrambling for solutions. While the city has seen some reductions in homicides, the problem remains severe. The lawsuit is part of a broader push to hold the gun industry accountable, but whether it will have a meaningful impact on Baltimore’s crime rates is yet to be seen.
A Legal Gamble or a Necessary Step?
The lawsuit raises a critical question: should manufacturers be responsible for how criminals misuse their products? On one hand, it’s hard to argue that Glock should be held accountable for modifications made illegally by criminals. It’s akin to suing car companies for reckless drivers or knife manufacturers for stabbings. However, the sheer scale of modified Glock usage in Baltimore is alarming. If a manufacturer knowingly sells a product that is widely and easily altered for illegal purposes, do they bear some moral, if not legal, responsibility?
What Comes Next?
This case is likely to drag on for months, if not years. If Baltimore and Maryland win, it could set a precedent for more lawsuits against gun manufacturers, leading to tighter industry regulations. If Glock wins, it could reinforce protections for gun makers, making it harder for cities to hold them accountable. One thing is certain – this legal battle is just beginning, and the outcome could shape the future of firearm regulations in America.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.