Gun dealers are refuting accusations of illegal sales, stating that all firearms transactions are reported to the Maryland State Police as mandated by law.
The Attornies 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. The lawsuit accuses Engage Armament LLC, Atlantic Guns, and United Gun Shop 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 involves a person buying a gun for someone who cannot legally purchase or possess firearms. Everytown Law, affiliated with Everytown for Gun Safety, is providing assistance with the lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, Minor was prosecuted in Washington for making straw purchases and convicted of illegally transferring guns purchased from the defendants to prohibited individuals.
The spokesperson for Attorney General Brown’s office did not confirm if the gun dealers would face criminal charges. The lawsuit seeks to compel the gun dealers to cease illegal straw sales, pay damages, and hold them accountable for facilitating illegal gun sales.
Representatives of the gun stores deny the allegations, claiming they followed all applicable laws, including reporting transactions to the Maryland State Police. Engage Armament owner Andrew Raymond called the lawsuit a “political witch hunt” and asserted compliance with all regulations.
Lawrence Keane from the National Shooting Sports Foundation explained the difference between a straw purchase and an illegal sale, emphasizing that sellers must know the buyer is a straw purchaser to break the law. He highlighted the importance of buyers confirming in writing that they are not purchasing the gun for someone else. Please rephrase the statement.
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