Chicago Seeks Court Order to Block Glock Sales and Hold Gun Manufacturers Accountable
Introduction:
The city of Chicago has taken legal action against gun manufacturer Glock Inc. and its parent company in Europe, Glock Ges.m.b.H, as well as two local Illinois gun dealers. The lawsuit accuses them of violating local laws by marketing and selling handguns that can easily be converted to full-auto fire using a device called a “Glock switch.” Chicago law enforcement officers have recovered over 1,300 modified Glock pistols between 2021 and May 2024, claiming that these weapons have contributed to crime and violence in the city.
The Danger of Easily Modified Glock Pistols:
The city of Chicago argues that Glock is aware of how easily their pistols can be modified but has not taken adequate steps to prevent such modifications. The lawsuit alleges that Glock misrepresents the safety of their pistols and fails to disclose that they can be easily converted into highly dangerous and illegal machine guns. While Glock does not manufacture or market the switches themselves, they are cheap and widely available, often produced using 3D printers and falsely marketed as harmless products. This accessibility and the lack of regulation contribute to the proliferation of modified Glock pistols in the criminal gun market.
Glock’s Response and Alleged Deception:
According to the complaint, Glock has known about the design flaw for years but has made a deliberate decision to continue profiting from the sales of easily modified pistols. When the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) warned Glock that their designs facilitated easy full-auto modification, the company made superficial changes by adding a plastic blocking tab that could be easily removed. Glock then falsely claimed to the agency that the problem had been fixed. This alleged deception raises concerns about Glock’s commitment to public safety and its responsibility as a gun manufacturer.
Irresponsible Gun Stores and Marketing Tactics:
The lawsuit also targets two Illinois gun dealers, Eagle Sports Range and Midwest Sporting Goods, accusing them of exacerbating the problem. These gun stores are accused of disproportionately supplying firearms to the criminal gun market and engaging in irresponsible marketing practices. Eagle Sports Range, in particular, is said to explicitly market modified Glocks to customers, promoting a “full auto experience” at their shooting range. The city of Chicago seeks a court order to block these gun dealers from selling or marketing Glock pistols to residents and to impose fines for each day they are found in violation of the city’s code.
Conclusion:
The city of Chicago’s expanded lawsuit against Glock Inc., Glock Ges.m.b.H, Eagle Sports Range, and Midwest Sporting Goods highlights the dangers posed by easily modified Glock pistols. By holding gun manufacturers and dealers accountable, Chicago aims to prevent the sale and distribution of these weapons within the city. The lawsuit sheds light on the alleged deception by Glock, which is accused of prioritizing profits over public safety. It also emphasizes the role of irresponsible gun stores in supplying firearms to the criminal gun market. Through legal action, Chicago seeks to address these issues and protect its residents from the devastating consequences of easily modified firearms.
