After this weekend’s mass shooting in Birmingham left four dead and 17 wounded, elected officials from the Democratic Party are renewing their calls for the Alabama Legislature to pass a ban on Glock switches. The federally-prohibited device allows a semi-automatic Glock pistol to function as a fully automatic firearm when attached.
In a social media post on Sunday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin argued the need for stricter state gun laws to fight the rise in Glock switch-related homicides and shootings in the city.
“Glock switches are the number one public safety issue in our city and state,” wrote Woodfin. “Though illegal under federal law, there is no state law that makes Glock switches illegal.”
RELATED: Suspects still at large in Birmingham mass shooting that killed 4, injured 17
“Every Mayor, Police Chief, Sheriff, and District Attorney I know wants glock switches outlawed. Converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon that discharges all bullets within seconds doesn’t belong on our domestic streets. We really need state legislators to help.”
“Make it a mandatory 10 years to serve if caught with one. If the victim is shot and survives, mandatory 25 years to serve. If the victim dies, automatic life without parole or more.”
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State Rep. Neil Rafferty (D-Birmingham) said residents of the area have “seen enough and heard absolutely enough.”
“Let’s be clear. This isn’t about legal gun ownership. This is about responsibility. This is about working to solve a preventable public health crisis. Just as we have the right to bear arms, we also have the right to be safe in our community,” said Rafferty. “And with rights come responsibilities, which is why we have laws in the first place. For example, it’s why bomb threats or inciting a violent mob aren’t covered under the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech.”
#endgunviolence #Birmingham #YourFreedomYourFuture #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/O5mItlqSvL
— Neil Rafferty (@RepRafferty) September 22, 2024
State Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) represents another Alabama city plagued by firearm-related homicides. Already for the 2025 state legislative session, Ensler has pre-filed a bill to make possession of the device a Class C Felony under state law.
— Phillip Ensler (@EnslerPhillip) September 22, 2024
Mayor Steven Reed of Montgomery issued his condolences to those affected by the shooting, reposting Woodfin’s statement demanding a state law imposing a state penalty for the possession of the modification. Earlier this month, Reed signed a municipal ordinance passed by the city council that circumvents state gun laws.
RELATED: Montgomery City Council clashes with state law by passing concealed carry ordinance
I agree with my brother @randallwoodfin. My condolences to the family and friends of those harmed by this tragic incident. pic.twitter.com/WDuUFGaC4D
— Steven L Reed (@stevenlouisreed) September 22, 2024
The Alabama House Democratic Caucus released a statement after the shooting calling it “incomprehensible” and “inexcusable” that gun-related homicides are one of the top causes of death for children in the state.
We must take action. #Birmingham #engunviolence #YourFreedomYourFuture #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/hQUxXvatvb
— AL House Democrats (@ALHouseDems) September 23, 2024
According to ATF data, the number of Glock switches recovered in Alabama recently increased by over 1,200% year over year. Additionally, the state has the fourth-highest rate of gun deaths in the U.S., and the fourth-highest rate of gun homicides. The number of gun-related homicides increased by 45% from 2013 to 2022, compared to a 36% increase nationwide.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
