Minnesota Sues Glock Over Illegal Conversion Devices
The lawsuit alleges Glock handguns are easily modified into illegal machine guns using cheap conversion parts.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against Glock, alleging its handguns can be easily modified into illegal machine guns. The state claims these unauthorized conversions represent a significant public safety threat.
Why it matters
The litigation seeks to hold manufacturers accountable for design flaws that facilitate the creation of illegal firearms. It specifically aims to reduce gun violence linked to modified weapons that can be altered with devices costing as little as $10.
Glock attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to have the civil lawsuit dismissed in court. The litigation remains active as the state pursues claims regarding handgun design modifications.
The players
Keith Ellison
He is the Minnesota Attorney General who initiated the legal challenge against Glock.
Ron Schutz
He is the candidate challenging Keith Ellison for the position of Minnesota Attorney General.
Glock
It is a global firearms manufacturer currently being sued over handgun modification capabilities.
University of Minnesota
The institution hosts a gun violence prevention clinic that assists the state in firearms litigation.
The details
The lawsuit is supported by the University of Minnesota gun violence prevention clinic, which provides legal resources for state actions against the firearms industry. This clinic previously assisted in a successful settlement against Fleet Farm following the use of a store-sold firearm in a 2021 Saint Paul mass shooting.
Timeline
A firearm sold by Fleet Farm was used in a 2021 mass shooting in Saint Paul.
In January 2026, Ron Schutz announced his intent to end the law school partnership.
During an October 2026 debate, Keith Ellison discussed the ongoing lawsuit.
The Minnesota attorney general election is scheduled for next week.
Legal Context
This litigation follows the precedent set by the University of Minnesota clinic's involvement in the Fleet Farm settlement regarding straw purchases. It reflects a growing trend of using civil law to address systemic issues in the firearm industry.
The outcome of the upcoming election could fundamentally alter how the state approaches firearm accountability. Voters will decide whether to maintain the current legal strategy or dissolve the partnership with the university clinic.
The takeaway
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between firearm design and public safety regulations. Residents should monitor the upcoming election results as they will dictate the future direction of state-led gun safety litigation.
Further reading
Learn more about local Law Enforcement activities in Minnesota.
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Do you support state governments suing gun manufacturers to address illegal firearm modifications?
