Chicago takes legal action against Glock, accusing it of aiding illegal firearm modifications

The lawsuit alleges that the firearms can be converted into machine guns with as little as $20. On Tuesday, the city lodged a prominent consumer lawsuit against Glock, asserting that the renowned gun manufacturer disregarded alerts about how simply its handguns could be transformed into machine guns.

Small gadgets known as auto sears or "switches" can be attached to handguns, including Glocks, enabling them to discharge multiple rounds with just one pull of the trigger.

These devices, which may be priced under $25 apiece, are available for purchase online, often advertised as accessories for airsoft guns. Moreover, they can be produced domestically using 3D printers.

"Criminals armed with Modified Glocks are emboldened because of their military-grade firepower, and they kill and injure more people, increasing the terror felt by ordinary Chicagoans," the lawsuit said.

The legal action claims that Glock, Inc., based in Georgia, poses a risk to the inhabitants of Chicago by producing and supplying machine guns that can be "easily" altered into firearms capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute on the city's streets.

According to the lawsuit, "Glock knows that it takes little effort to convert its pistols into illegal machine guns and that criminals frequently do so," the lawsuit alleges. "Glock also knows it could fix the problem, but has chosen not to, putting profits over public safety and violating the law"

The lawsuit demands a judicial mandate to prohibit the company from selling firearms to individuals in Chicago, in addition to seeking an unspecified amount in damages.

According to federal legislation, individual switches, even when not affixed to a firearm, are classified as machine guns. Violating this law can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Source: Fox Business, Chicago Sun-Times