New Jersey and Minnesota have filed lawsuits against Glock, a prominent gunmaker, demanding that the company cease selling firearms that can be easily modified with dime-sized switches to fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute. The attorneys general of both states, along with law enforcement officials from 14 states and the District of Columbia, are collaborating to combat gun violence by coordinating the enforcement of consumer protection laws.
The legal actions taken by these predominantly Democrat-led states are seen as an early response to the policies of the incoming administration, which the New Jersey Attorney General criticized for its perceived alignment with the gun industry. The lawsuits allege that Glock has been selling weapons that can be converted into military-grade machine guns with minimal effort, posing a significant public safety risk.
A video demonstration showcased how the Glock switch can transform a pistol into a rapid-firing weapon, alarming attendees at a public event. The lawsuits claim that Glock has knowingly marketed firearms that can be easily converted into fully automatic weapons, contributing to gun-related crimes across the country.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation condemned the lawsuits, accusing the states of attempting to bypass federal laws protecting gun manufacturers. However, advocates argue that Glock's firearms are particularly susceptible to illegal modifications, making them a popular choice for criminal activities.
The lawsuits highlight the prevalence of Glock pistols in gun crimes and the ease with which these weapons can be altered for increased firepower. The legal actions seek to hold Glock accountable for its alleged negligence in addressing the issue and push for stricter regulations on firearm modifications.
The coalition of states involved in the legal proceedings aims to address the growing concerns surrounding gun violence and the role of gun manufacturers in promoting public safety. By targeting Glock's sale of adaptable firearms, the states hope to prevent further tragedies linked to the misuse of modified weapons.
