Gun Shops Face Legal Action from Washington, DC and Maryland

Washington, DC, and Maryland are suing local gun shops over accusations of illegal firearms trafficking linked to rising crime.

At a Glance

Maryland and Washington, D.C., sue three Rockville gun shops for alleged gun trafficking.
Lawsuit cites straw purchases as the method for illegal sales.
Stores sold 34 semiautomatic pistols to a single individual under suspicious circumstances.
Lawsuit aims for accountability and public safety measures.

Joint Lawsuit Against Gun Shops

Washington, DC, in collaboration with Maryland, has filed a lawsuit against several Rockville-based gun stores. The lawsuit claims that these shops participated in illegal firearms trafficking, facilitating the sale and distribution of guns to prohibited parties. Authorities allege this reckless behavior has significantly contributed to the increase in crime and gun violence in the region.

The legal action identifies three specific retailers: Engage Armament, United Gun Shop, and Atlantic Guns. These stores allegedly sold a large number of semiautomatic pistols to Demetrius Minor, ignoring various warning signs that the transactions were illegal straw purchases intended for third-party criminals.

The civil suit seeks injunctive relief and financial penalties to hold these dealers accountable. Law enforcement agencies and the nonprofit organization Everytown Law have shown support for this legal endeavor.

Role of Straw Purchases in Illegal Gun Trafficking

Straw purchasing involves an individual buying firearms on behalf of someone who is legally barred from obtaining them. According to the lawsuit, the gun shops overlooked numerous red flags in the transactions involving Minor, who was buying on behalf of Donald Willis—an individual with a violent criminal past.

The shops sold 34 pistols to Minor over seven months in 2021. Engage Armament allegedly sold 25, United Gun Shop sold five in eight weeks, and Atlantic Guns sold four in just one month.

These actions have led to many of these guns still being unaccounted for and subsequently used in various crimes across the region.

A new lawsuit claims that legal firearms dealers might be contributing to the problem of illegal firearms.https://t.co/XWaf2aEm4c

— KTXS News (@KTXS_News) September 4, 2024

Attorney General Statements and Public Safety

“Clearly, these stores played a role in supplying firearms used in crimes across our region,” said Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown. This case signifies the first joint legal action of its type against gun shops in Maryland and DC, part of a broader strategy to curb illegal firearm distribution and improve public safety.

Brown, along with DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Everytown Law, emphasized that they are not targeting Second Amendment rights but rather holding irresponsible dealers accountable. “This case sends a clear message to those who disregard the law (that) we’ll go wherever necessary to hold you accountable for putting our communities at risk,” Brown added.

Rising Gun Violence and Associated Risks

The District of Columbia has seen a sharp rise in gun violence, with the number of homicides reaching record highs not seen in over three decades. Reports have stated that over 90% of homicides in DC last year involved firearms. This lawsuit aims to stem the flow of illegal guns contributing to this epidemic.

Schwalb highlighted the broader implications: “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.” Authorities believe that many of these illegal weapons originate from neighboring Maryland and Virginia through straw purchases.

“Many of us watch the news and we wonder where all these guns are coming from,” said Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown. “Now we have part of the answer.”

Authorities seek to leverage this case to not only punish the negligent dealers but also send a clear warning to other firearm retailers about the consequences of illegal activities that endanger public safety. With this joint lawsuit, DC and Maryland officials hope to regain control over the proliferation of illegal guns in their communities.