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A Minnesota judge has refused to dismiss a high-stakes lawsuit accusing Glock Inc. and its Austrian parent of knowingly selling handguns that can be too easily converted into machine guns.

The ruling, issued Thursday by state District Court Judge Christian Sande, determined that Glock cannot shield itself under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). While the Second Amendment safeguards ownership and purchase of firearms, the court noted it does not guarantee companies the unfettered right to sell them.

Allegations of Profit Over Public Safety

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison hailed the decision as a breakthrough, accusing Glock of “sacrificing safety for profit.”

“Today’s ruling puts us one step closer to ensuring Glock can no longer flood Minnesota with handguns that can easily be converted into illegal, fully automatic machine guns,” Ellison said.

Minnesota, joined by New Jersey in similar filings, claims Glock knowingly enabled illegal modifications through a cheap device known as a “Glock switch.” Roughly the size of a Lego brick, this add-on can be 3D-printed or purchased for under $20, instantly transforming a pistol into a fully automatic weapon.

Judge Rejects Glock’s Defense

Glock had argued for dismissal, citing PLCAA immunity and constitutional protections. But Judge Sande ruled that Minnesota’s claims fell under an exception, noting Glock may have violated consumer protection laws by knowingly promoting customizable firearms with dangerous consequences.

The court further rejected Glock’s First Amendment defense, ruling that false or deceptive commercial advertising is not protected speech. Likewise, the Second Amendment, Sande wrote, covers the right to own and bear arms—not the unrestricted right of corporations to sell them.

A Landmark Fight Against Gun Violence

The decision allows Minnesota’s sweeping claims—including public nuisance, negligence, products liability, and deceptive trade practices—to move forward.

“This is a major victory in the fight against gun violence,” said former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived a 2011 mass shooting. Her Giffords Law Center is aiding Minnesota’s legal team.

“This ruling makes it clear: gun companies don’t have a free pass to endanger communities. When they cross the line, they will be held accountable,” she said.

Legal Teams in the Spotlight

Minnesota is represented by the state Attorney General’s Office alongside the Giffords Law Center and the University of Minnesota Gun Violence Prevention Clinic. Glock has tapped Christopher Renzulli of Renzulli Law Firm for its defense.

The case now moves toward trial, with national attention fixed on whether Glock’s design and marketing practices will be held responsible for the proliferation of illegally modified weapons.