In response to the growing concern over ghost guns flooding Baltimore streets and falling into the hands of minors, the city of Baltimore has successfully reached a settlement agreement with Polymer80, a leading manufacturer of untraceable firearms. The agreement, announced on Wednesday, prohibits Polymer80 from selling its unassembled firearms to Maryland residents.

City officials had filed a lawsuit against the Nevada-based company two years ago, seeking relief and damages totaling $1.2 million. The lawsuit accused Polymer80 of violating federal and state firearms laws by providing gun assembly kits without serial numbers to buyers without proper background checks. The settlement, which fulfills all requested measures of relief, serves as a significant milestone in the city's ongoing efforts to combat gun violence.

Under the agreement, Polymer80 is also required to adhere to restrictions on advertising in Maryland and extend the sales ban to dealers in neighboring states conducting business with Maryland residents. The company must provide quarterly reports documenting all sales of ghost guns in surrounding states, ensuring heightened accountability.

The lawsuit, filed in conjunction with the national nonprofit Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, highlights the grave consequences of allowing ghost guns to circulate in communities. Baltimore recorded a decline in homicides and shootings last year, but continues to grapple with an uptick in youth violence, prompting city leaders to take decisive legal action.

Polymer80 has faced similar litigations in other cities, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., where it has been compelled to cease the sale of ghost guns following settlement agreements. The settlement reached with Baltimore marks a critical step in curbing the company's operations and preventing the proliferation of untraceable firearms in the region.

As Baltimore strives to address the epidemic of gun violence, Mayor Brandon Scott underscored the significance of the settlement in sending a clear message about the harmful impact of ghost guns. The city remains steadfast in its commitment to utilizing all available tools to ensure the safety and security of its residents.