BALTIMORE — A jury in Baltimore delivered a historic verdict of $62 million against Hanover Armory, marking the largest jury award against a gun retailer in U.S. history. After just 90 minutes of deliberation, the six-member jury found the gun retailer liable for negligence, specifically due to its sales of ghost gun kits, which have been linked to increasing levels of violence in the city.
The decision stemmed from a case brought by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, with representation from Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Berger Montague, and Brady: United Against Gun Violence. Over the course of seven days, jurors were presented with evidence that illustrated how the sale of untraceable, unserialized firearms by Hanover Armory contributed to a public nuisance in Baltimore, exacerbating the city’s crime issues.
Testimony revealed a staggering increase in the recovery of ghost guns in the city, rising nearly 1,500% from 2019 to 2022. Many of these weapons were implicated in shootings, homicides, and crimes involving minors. The unregulated nature of ghost gun kits, which can be purchased without background checks, makes them particularly appealing to prohibited purchasers, including minors, convicted felons, and domestic abusers.
The case gained momentum following a significant ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in May 2025, which classified ghost gun kits as firearms under the federal Gun Control Act of 1968. This legal backdrop set the stage for the jury’s critical decision and broader implications for the regulation of gun sales.
“This verdict sends a powerful message that gun manufacturers and retailers cannot ignore the public safety consequences of their business practices,” said Saba Bireda, a partner at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight and co-counsel in the case. Bireda emphasized that the jury’s quick ruling highlights the serious misconduct of Hanover Armory and warns other retailers that profits should not come at the expense of community safety.
The $62 million verdict not only sets a new legal precedent regarding firearm retailers’ accountability for contributing to gun violence but also reflects a growing trend of cities seeking justice through litigation against the gun industry.
Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight has a history of engaging in public impact litigation, leveraging legal avenues to address systemic harms and protect vulnerable populations across the country.
The impact of this verdict may resonate beyond Baltimore, potentially influencing other jurisdictions contemplating similar legal actions against gun retailers. As communities grapple with rising gun violence, the outcomes of such cases could redefine the responsibilities of those in the firearm sales industry.
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