Glock Inc. Halts Pistol Production Amid Chicago Gun Violence Crisis

UPDATE: Glock Inc. has just announced a halt to production of its current pistol models, responding to urgent legal pressure from the City of Chicago. This pivotal decision comes amid escalating gun violence concerns, particularly linked to the misuse of “Glock switches” that convert standard pistols into fully automatic weapons.

Officials in Chicago have declared this move a significant victory in their ongoing fight against gun violence, emphasizing the dire need for public safety measures. Mayor Brandon Johnson stated, “Glock switches have been used in the vast majority of mass shooting incidents in our city.” This crisis has led to the recovery of an average of one modified Glock every day from early 2021 through May 2024, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

The decision follows a ruling by the Cook County Circuit Court, which dismissed Glock’s motion to throw out the city’s lawsuit. This lawsuit accuses Glock of knowingly producing firearms that can be easily modified with illegal devices, contributing to the rise in gun violence. Production and sales of these models will cease by November 30, marking a potential turning point in Chicago’s battle for safer streets.

This groundbreaking lawsuit is setting off a ripple effect, prompting similar legal actions from state attorneys in New Jersey, Minnesota, and Maryland. Additionally, legislation aimed at combating the spread of “Glock switches” has been introduced in Illinois and California. Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, Garien Gatewood, commented, “This is a major step forward for the City of Chicago and other jurisdictions across the country that have been terrorized by these devices.”

Despite halting production, the Department of Law plans to pursue further legal actions to address the harm caused by the distribution of these convertible weapons. City officials remain committed to a sustained fight against gun violence, with this legal victory empowering them to pursue a safer future for all residents.

The urgency of this situation cannot be understated. Communities affected by gun violence view the cessation of Glock models as a potential milestone in their struggle for peace. As the legal landscape shifts, the eyes of the nation are on Chicago, where officials are determined to enact lasting change in the face of devastating gun violence.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on how this decision could impact gun reform nationwide.