New Jersey and Minnesota take on Glock over dangerous gun modification

In a legal action dated Thursday, December 12, 2024, New Jersey and Minnesota took significant steps against Glock, calling for an end to the sales of firearms that can be modified with small switches to function as machine guns. This lawsuit highlights the growing concern over gun violence and the ease of converting semi-automatic handguns into automatic weapons. The case was announced by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison alongside a coalition of law enforcement officials from 14 states and the District of Columbia. They aim to collaborate on enforcing consumer protection laws to address the alarming rates of gun-related incidents in their jurisdictions. The lawsuit alleges that Glock has been aware for decades of the ease with which its firearms can be modified into military-grade machine guns. Both attorneys general underscored that the convenience of transforming these weapons poses a substantial threat to public safety. Mississippi law enforcement and advocates have expressed frustration over firearms like Glock handguns being notoriously popular in gun crimes, largely because of the accessibility of conversion devices. These devices are often sold online for approximately $20 or can be 3D-printed, raising serious concerns about the regulation and control of such items. Furthermore, the criticism directed at Glock extends to their marketing practices, with the claim that they promote fully automatic firearms to civilians, a move that could be interpreted as exploitative and careless given the legal prohibitions on such weaponry. Ellison asserted that two-thirds of handguns sold in the United States are Glocks, emphasizing the brand's significant presence in the market and the resulting implications for gun crime rates. This action by the states is part of a broader strategy to enhance gun control measures, alongside addressing public safety and preventing further tragedies related to firearm misuse. The implications of this lawsuit may extend far beyond just Glock and could result in heightened scrutiny of other gun manufacturers that face similar accusations regarding the sale of easily modifiable firearms. As this coalition of states moves forward in their commitment to reducing gun violence through legal channels, the outcome of these proceedings may significantly influence legislative actions surrounding gun control in the near future.