In a groundbreaking legal triumph, the city of Baltimore has reached a settlement with Polymer80, the nation’s largest manufacturer of ghost guns. The lawsuit targeted Polymer80’s sale of unserialized ghost gun kits, notorious for being virtually untraceable. Under the terms of the settlement, Baltimore will receive $1.2 million in damages, marking a significant win in the fight against unregulated firearms.
As part of the agreement, Polymer80 is now permanently prohibited from advertising within Maryland and selling ghost guns to state residents. The settlement extends further, compelling the company to prevent its dealers in neighboring states from selling ghost guns to Maryland residents. Additionally, Polymer80 must cease all customer support activities in Maryland, offering a comprehensive approach to curbing the proliferation of ghost guns in the region.
One of the critical stipulations involves Polymer80 providing quarterly reports to the city, detailing all ghost gun sales in nearby states. This transparency measure aims to close loopholes and enhance tracking efforts, reinforcing Baltimore’s commitment to curbing the influx of unregistered firearms.
The city’s decision to pursue legal action against Polymer80 was driven by the alarming statistics related to ghost guns. Baltimore police reported the seizure of 462 ghost guns in the preceding year, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. In 2024 alone, law enforcement has already confiscated 43 of these untraceable weapons, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by their unregulated availability.
This settlement not only signifies a significant financial victory for Baltimore but also sets a precedent for other jurisdictions grappling with the challenges posed by ghost guns. As communities nationwide grapple with rising concerns over untraceable firearms, Baltimore’s successful legal action against Polymer80 marks a pivotal step in addressing this complex issue.