Four young men were arrested in West Alabama on Wednesday on charges of possessing machine guns, after law enforcement officials discovered they had modified their handguns with a device known as a “glock switch.” These devices, which can be easily purchased online despite being illegal under federal law, essentially turn certain handguns into automatic weapons, making them extremely difficult to control due to their speed and ferocity.
According to ATF Agent Marcus Watson, the proliferation of glock switches has been facilitated by the internet and 3-D printers, posing a significant threat to public safety. Watson described the use of these devices as a “young adult crime,” highlighting the challenge of addressing such offenses within the current legal framework.
U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona emphasized the dangers associated with glock switches, noting that they often result in shooters unintentionally hitting bystanders. Even in the hands of trained individuals, operating these modified weapons can be incredibly difficult, let alone in the hands of criminals who use them to cause chaos in communities.
During a press conference at the Tuscaloosa Police Headquarters, Police Chief Brent Blankley urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions and emphasized the severe consequences of possessing such devices. Blankley made it clear that individuals caught with glock switches would face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, potentially leading to lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
In addition to facing up to 10 years in federal prison, those convicted of possessing glock switches could be fined up to $250,000, underscoring the serious legal ramifications associated with these illegal modifications.