Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, along with the Attorneys General from 11 other States and the District of Columbia, have urged Glock, Inc. to preserve all evidence related to its pistols that can be easily converted into illegal machine guns. The coalition's letter to Glock comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Chicago, alleging that Glock firearms can be adapted into machine guns with a simple modification.

Platkin emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, "Turning a pistol into a deadly machine gun should not be as easy as fitting Lego pieces together." He expressed concern over the accessibility of modified weapons, which are increasingly being recovered by law enforcement at alarming rates.

The lawsuit filed by Chicago claims that Glock has knowledge of the conversion potential in its handgun design but has failed to make necessary changes, prioritizing profits over safety. The City seeks to halt sales of these easily convertible pistols and implement measures to prevent their unlawful possession and use.

Chicago's complaint highlights that Glock switches enable pistols to fire at a rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute, comparable to fully automatic firearms. The lawsuit underscores the risks posed by Glock's alleged actions, with over 5,400 machine-gun conversion parts seized between 2017 and 2021, marking a significant increase.

Ravi Ramanathan, Director of the Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Office, echoed concerns about Glock's product design, stating, "Glock is unreasonably endangering city residents by continuing to sell a firearm that can easily be modified for conversion into an illegal machine gun." Both New Jersey and Illinois have laws in place to hold gun manufacturers accountable for their practices.

The coalition of States, including New Jersey and Illinois, has warned Glock that its conduct may violate state laws, vowing to take enforcement actions if necessary. They have requested Glock to preserve documents related to various aspects of the handgun modification process and the company's compliance with relevant laws.

The collaborative effort, involving multiple States and the District of Columbia, showcases a united front in addressing concerns regarding firearm safety and accountability. The establishment of the SAFE Office by Attorney General Platkin underscores the commitment to regulating the firearms industry and ensuring public safety.