Attorneys General for Maryland and Washington have filed a lawsuit against three Rockville, Maryland-based gun stores for allegedly trafficking guns into the U.S. Capital through straw purchases. Engage Armament LLC, Atlantic Guns, and United Gun Shop are accused of participating in straw purchases by selling 34 semiautomatic pistols over a 7-month period to Demetrius Minor, in violation of state and federal laws.
A straw purchase occurs when a person buys a gun for someone who cannot legally buy or possess firearms. Everytown Law, affiliated with Everytown for Gun Safety, is assisting with the lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, Minor was prosecuted in Washington for making straw purchases and was convicted of illegally transferring guns he purchased from the defendants to prohibited persons.
The spokesperson from Attorney General Anthony G. Brown’s office did not confirm if any of the gun dealers would face criminal charges but stated that civil actions like this one allow them to seek justice differently from criminal prosecutions.
The lawsuit alleges that the gun sellers should have noticed Minor’s repetitive purchases of the same types of guns and accuses them of violating the law by facilitating illegal gun sales and conspiring with Minor’s illegal conduct.
Eric Tirschwell, Executive Director of Everytown Law, emphasized that this lawsuit serves as a warning to other gun dealers who prioritize profits over law enforcement and public safety.
Representatives from the accused gun stores deny these allegations. Andrew Raymond, owner of Engage Armament called it a “political witch hunt” while Lawrence Keane from National Shooting Sports Foundation stated that there is a difference between making a straw purchase and making an illegal sale. Keane explained that sellers would only be breaking the law if they knew it was a straw purchase since people do not openly admit their intentions when buying firearms.