Just where are these illegal guns flooding our cities coming from, and who is to blame?
At a Glance
- Maryland and Washington, D.C., are suing three Rockville gun shops for alleged involvement in a gun-trafficking scheme.
- The lawsuit involves straw selling and buying, transferring guns to those prohibited from owning them.
- The civil action stems from a 2021 firearms-trafficking investigation.
- Washington, D.C., has experienced high levels of gun violence, with many homicides involving firearms.
Breaking Down the Lawsuit
In a significant legal move, Maryland and Washington, D.C., have filed lawsuits against three Rockville gun shops: Engage Armament, United Gun Shop, and Atlantic Guns. These shops are accused of participating in “straw purchases,” where firearms were bought on behalf of individuals who are legally barred from owning them. This civil action, filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court, targets both the stores and the broader issue of illegal gun distribution.
The 2021 firearms-trafficking investigation revealed that Demetrius Minor purchased 34 semiautomatic pistols over seven months. These sales ignored glaring red flags, leading to the current lawsuit. Minor has since pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and received an 18-month prison sentence. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief and financial penalties for the offending shops.
Illegal straw purchasing is a major reason for the illicit flow of guns into our communities.⁰ ⁰Grateful to @DCAttorneyGen for taking action to hold gun dealers who allow this activity to take place accountable. https://t.co/OdUKnLyAU9
— CM Janeese Lewis George (@CMLewisGeorgeW4) September 3, 2024
Impact on Gun Violence
These illegally trafficked guns have contributed significantly to gun violence in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas. At least nine of these weapons have appeared at crime scenes or were found with individuals wanted for violent offenses. The lawsuit highlights that a staggering 95% of the firearms recovered in D.C. come from neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia, emphasizing the need for rigorous enforcement of existing laws.
“Clearly, these stores played a role in supplying firearms used in crimes across our region,” Attorney General Anthony Brown stated.
Washington, D.C., has seen a significant increase in gun violence, reaching record levels of homicides last year, with over 90% of these crimes committed using firearms. The lawsuit, supported by gun safety group Everytown Law, aims to curb this by holding accountable those who knowingly sell weapons to straw purchasers. Atlantic Guns, Inc. maintains they would never knowingly engage in such practices, while the other two shops have yet to comment.
Maryland Attorney General sues 3 federally licensed gun dealers–all in Montgomery County–for allegedly selling guns to a straw purchaser who then trafficked them in DC https://t.co/FU92u08fLs
— Jayne Miller (@jemillerbalt) September 3, 2024
Regional Solutions for a Regional Problem
Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasizes that this lawsuit sends a powerful message to those who ignore the law: “We are watching, and we will hold you accountable for illegal conduct that fuels gun violence across our region.” This joint lawsuit between D.C. and Maryland is the first of its kind, mirroring similar actions in other states aiming to choke off the supply lines of illegal firearms.
As gun violence continues to plague our cities, it’s high time we focus on actionable solutions rather than empty rhetoric. By addressing the sources of illegal arms and holding complicit parties accountable, this lawsuit marks a significant step towards enhancing public safety and enforcing stringent gun control measures where they are most needed.
