In a controversial transfer, the attorneys normal of New Jersey and Minnesota filed lawsuits on December 12 in opposition to Glock, accusing the gun producer of knowingly producing pistols that may be simply modified into unlawful machine weapons utilizing cheap conversion gadgets generally known as “Glock switches.” We’ve all seen this film earlier than!
The lawsuits declare these switches, which might price as little as $20 or be fabricated utilizing a 3D printer, allow Glock handguns to fireplace as much as 1,200 rounds per minute with a single set off pull, in accordance with Reuters. The New Jersey Lawyer Basic’s workplace alleges that Glock has been conscious of this concern because the Eighties however has did not make design modifications to stop such conversions.
In a press launch, New Jersey Lawyer Basic Matthew J. Platkin emphasised the general public security risk posed by these modified firearms.
“With this lawsuit, we’re placing the home made machine gun trade out of enterprise,” Platkin mentioned in a press launch, accusing Glock of prioritizing earnings over public security. Platkin’s lawsuit, filed within the New Jersey Superior Courtroom’s Chancery Division, seeks to halt the sale of those handguns to civilians within the state and calls for restitution for the alleged hurt induced.
Equally, Minnesota Lawyer Basic Keith Ellison filed a separate lawsuit, citing incidents the place transformed Glock handguns have been utilized in violent crimes in his state. One notable case is the 2021 Minneapolis nightclub taking pictures that resulted in two deaths, together with a university pupil, Charlie Johnson, who was killed hours earlier than his commencement ceremony. Ellison argues that Glock’s failure to handle these dangers constitutes negligence and violates Minnesota’s shopper safety legal guidelines.
“Glock’s actions, and their inaction, violate Minnesota legislation and put youngsters, communities, and legislation enforcement at risk. This has to cease,” Ellison mentioned in an announcement, calling for design modifications to stop such conversions and for the return of earnings Glock allegedly earned by these gross sales.
Background and Broader Implications
Glock, recognized for producing one of the crucial trusted and dependable handguns favored by legislation enforcement companies worldwide, has confronted mounting authorized challenges. Earlier this yr, the Metropolis of Chicago filed an analogous lawsuit, alleging that Glock’s design facilitated unlawful conversions into machine weapons. Glock’s status for reliability and ease is commonly cited as a promoting level, with many gun fanatics, hid carry practitioners and legislation enforcement companies counting on its merchandise. Nevertheless, these lawsuits spotlight considerations in regards to the unintended penalties of the firearm’s design, whereas neglecting the apparent criminality of the individuals who misuse the firearms to do hurt to others.
The lawsuits from New Jersey and Minnesota are a part of a broader push by a coalition of Democratic attorneys normal from 15 states and the District of Columbia to carry gun producers accountable. This authorized technique mirrors actions taken in opposition to different producers, such because the $73 million settlement reached with Remington Arms following the Sandy Hook taking pictures, in accordance with Reuters. It’s a transparent admission by these state’s that they’re both unable or unwilling to fight crime on the root trigger degree, so as a substitute, will go after legally working firms in a blatant money-grab to fill their state’s coffers.
Trade Pushback
The NSSF and different 2A organizations have criticized these lawsuits as baseless, noting that Glock doesn’t manufacture or promote the conversion gadgets. Glock has not but issued a public assertion on the lawsuits however has beforehand denied accountability for modifications made to its firearms by third events, Reuters reviews.
Platkin’s workplace shared a video of their press launch of an ATF demonstration of a swap in use on a Glock pistol:
