Seattle Takes Glock to Court Over Handguns Converted with Deadly Switch Devices

City Files Lawsuit Against Gunmaker

The City of Seattle has filed a lawsuit against Glock, accusing the company of manufacturing handguns that can be easily altered into illegal machine guns using a small device commonly known as a “Glock switch.” City Attorney Ann Davison stated that Glock has long been aware of this design flaw yet continues to prioritize profit over public safety.

Public Safety Concerns Raised

According to Davison, the modified handguns are capable of firing 30 rounds in just two seconds, creating a devastating risk for communities and law enforcement. She emphasized that these weapons pose a threat not only to children and families but also to first responders who are placed in greater danger when confronting criminals armed with converted firearms.

Call for Safer Designs

The lawsuit demands that Glock redesign its handguns so they cannot be converted into fully automatic weapons through the use of switches. Davison pointed out that other firearm manufacturers already use safer standards, while Glock continues to allow its handguns to be easily modified. She stressed that the city is pursuing this case to combat the sharp rise in gun violence connected to converted Glocks.

Sharp Increase in Gun Violence

Data provided by city officials shows a troubling rise in gun-related crime. The number of shell casings recovered at crime scenes more than doubled, climbing from 2,514 in 2020 to 5,746 in 2023. Additionally, Seattle police documented a surge in incidents involving Glock switches, from 20 in 2023 to 38 in 2024.

A tragic example cited in the lawsuit involves a shooting in Pioneer Square where three people were killed by bullets believed to have been fired from a converted Glock.

Local Retailers Named in Lawsuit

The lawsuit also names three Glock-authorized gun retailers in the Seattle area: Pantel Tactical, Bull’s Eye Indoor Range LLC, and Rainier Arms LLC. These retailers are alleged to have played a role in distributing firearms later converted with switches.

A Two-Pronged Approach to Gun Violence

City officials have vowed to tackle gun violence from both legal and criminal enforcement angles. The lawsuit represents a civil remedy aimed at addressing corporate accountability, while ongoing prosecutions will continue to target individuals who use or distribute converted weapons.