A lawsuit has been filed against major firearms manufacturer Glock, Inc., and Glock Ges.m.b.H., alleging that negligent marketing and distribution practices contributed to a horrific subway shooting in New York City.
According to the lawsuit filed by plaintiffs Furong Hu and Zhuoxuan Ye, the case stems from a mass shooting that occurred on April 12, 2022, on a northbound N train in Brooklyn. The shooter, identified as Frank Robert James, used a Glock 17 handgun to open fire on passengers during rush hour. Hu and Ye were among the ten individuals directly injured by gunfire out of the twenty-nine total casualties. The plaintiffs allege that Glock's marketing strategies emphasize features appealing to criminals, such as high capacity and ease of concealment, and accuse the company of oversupplying firearms beyond legitimate market demand to encourage secondary market sales.
The lawsuit draws attention to Glock's alleged failure to implement reasonable controls over its distribution channels. Plaintiffs argue that these practices have created an environment where firearms easily fall into the hands of individuals with criminal intent. The complaint references multiple instances where Glock's products have been glorified in media and entertainment, further embedding them into popular culture without regard for public safety implications.
Hu and Ye are seeking punitive damages aimed at deterring similar conduct by Glock in the future. The plaintiffs invoke New York General Business Law §898, which addresses public nuisances related to firearm marketing and distribution practices.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Matthew J. Salimbene of Matthew J. Salimbene P.C. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 1:25-cv-02033 and is presided over by U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino.