Maryland and Washington, D.C. Attorneys General have launched a legal battle against three gun shops, accusing them of fueling gun violence through illegal straw purchases.
At a Glance
- Three Rockville gun shops sued for alleged involvement in gun-trafficking scheme
- Lawsuit targets “straw purchases” where individuals buy guns for prohibited persons
- 34 semiautomatic pistols sold to one individual over seven months, raising red flags
- At least nine trafficked guns found at crime scenes or with violent offenders
Gun Shops Under Fire for Alleged Negligence
In a bold move to combat gun violence, the Attorneys General of Maryland and Washington, D.C. have taken legal action against three Rockville gun shops. The shops, identified as Engage Armament, United Gun Shop, and Atlantic Guns, are accused of participating in a gun-trafficking scheme that has contributed to the surge of illegal firearms in the region.
The civil action, filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court, stems from a 2021 firearms-trafficking investigation. At the heart of the lawsuit is the allegation that these stores engaged in “straw purchases” – a practice where individuals buy guns on behalf of those legally prohibited from owning firearms.
A Pattern of Suspicious Sales
According to the lawsuit, the three gun shops collectively sold 34 semiautomatic pistols to Demetrius Minor over a mere seven-month period. This pattern of sales raised significant red flags that the stores allegedly ignored. Minor was later indicted and prosecuted for trafficking firearms, pleading guilty to dealing in firearms without a license.
“Clearly, these stores played a role in supplying firearms used in crimes across our region,” said Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.
The gravity of the situation becomes apparent when considering that at least nine of the trafficked guns have been recovered at crime scenes or found in the possession of individuals wanted for violent offenses. This direct link between these sales and criminal activity underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability in gun sales.
Combating Regional Gun Violence
Washington, D.C. has been grappling with a surge in gun violence, recording its highest number of homicides in over 30 years last year. With over 90% of these homicides committed using firearms, the urgency to address the influx of illegal weapons is clear. The lawsuit highlights that approximately 95% of firearms recovered in D.C. originate from neighboring states, emphasizing the regional nature of this crisis.
“The level of gun violence in the District, and the devastating impact it has on victims, families, and our community as a whole, is unacceptable,” stated D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. “This is a regional problem that requires a regional solution, as far too often, guns purchased in Maryland and Virginia are trafficked across our borders and end up at crime scenes in DC.”
This joint legal action by Maryland and D.C. is the first of its kind, following similar suits in other cities and states. It seeks to hold the stores accountable through injunctive relief and financial penalties, aiming to enforce strong gun statutes and send a clear message to dealers who might prioritize profit over public safety.
As this legal battle unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing Second Amendment rights with the pressing need to curb gun violence. The outcome of this lawsuit could potentially reshape how gun shops operate and be held accountable for their sales practices, marking a significant step in the broader effort to reduce gun-related crimes in our communities.
