York City Council to Address Glock Switches and Gun Violence Prevention

The York City Council meeting on September 2, 2025, focused on a proposed ordinance aimed at addressing the unlawful manufacture and use of devices that convert handguns into automatic firearms. The discussion was led by Adam Garber from Ceasefire Pennsylvania, a gun violence prevention organization with over 50,000 supporters statewide.

Garber emphasized the urgency of the ordinance, which targets devices known as Glock switches. These small devices enable handguns to fire rapidly, significantly increasing the potential for gun violence in communities. He highlighted that such devices have been linked to violent incidents, including attacks on law enforcement, referencing the tragic death of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntyre, who was killed during an encounter with a perpetrator using a Glock switch.

The ordinance aims to empower local law enforcement to take action against these devices, which are becoming increasingly accessible and prevalent. Garber noted that while Glock switches are illegal at the federal level, local authorities currently lack the legal framework to enforce regulations effectively. He argued that establishing local laws in York would enhance law enforcement's ability to combat the rising use of these dangerous devices.

Garber also addressed concerns about legal preemption, clarifying that the ordinance does not regulate firearms themselves but rather the devices that modify them. He pointed to a recent ruling by the Commonwealth Court that supports local regulation of such devices, suggesting that York's initiative could serve as a model for other municipalities in Pennsylvania.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to public safety and the need for timely action in response to the growing threat posed by automatic weapon conversion devices. The council's decision on the ordinance will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for local gun control measures in the state.