Glock Switches Have No Place in Our Communities
Whitney/Strong is working across party lines to keep these illegal devices off our streets and out of our homes.
Glock switches are tiny devices that turn semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons, increasing the risk of mass injury and death in seconds. While they are already banned federally, states and cities need stronger tools to stop them. Whitney/Strong is bringing together survivors, law enforcement, and lawmakers to move solutions forward.
What Is a Glock Switch and Why Is It So Dangerous?
A Glock switch is a small, illegal device that can be attached to certain handguns. With one click it can turn a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing many rounds in just a few seconds. These devices are already banned under federal law, yet they are increasingly showing up in cities and towns across the country.
Increases the number of bullets fired in seconds
Raises the risk of multiple victims in a single shooting
Puts law enforcement at greater risk on routine calls
Fuels fear and violence in neighborhoods
Progress in Alabama
Earlier this year Alabama leaders passed a bipartisan law that makes possession of a Glock switch a Class C felony. Though these devices are already banned federally, state lawmakers saw the need to give local law enforcement more power to remove them from communities.
After learning about Alabama’s victory, Whitney connected with Representative Phillip Ensler, the lead Democrat on the bill. He, in turn, connected us with Russell Bledsoe, a Republican law enforcement officer who helped the bill gain traction across the aisle. Both joined us at A Night for Life to share how they chose progress over politics to save lives.
“This is what common ground looks like. Leaders from both parties choosing safety over partisanship.”
– Whitney Austin
Momentum in Kentucky
On September 18, during an Interim Joint Judiciary Committee hearing, Republican Representative Jason Nemes introduced a Glock switch ban in Kentucky. Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey testified, citing alarming trends in confiscations.
31 Glock switches confiscated in 2023
80 Glock switches confiscated in 2024
2025 on pace to surpass 2024
Chief Humphrey emphasized that Glock switches increase harm in shootings, endanger law enforcement during routine calls and traffic stops, and fuel fear and violence in communities.
This hearing marked a turning point, with support voiced by both rural and urban lawmakers. It was a powerful signal that Kentucky is ready to act.
Where Whitney/Strong Fits In
Whitney/Strong is not a partisan organization. We work with leaders from both parties along with survivors, community members, and law enforcement. In the fight against Glock switches we are:
Sharing best practices from other states like Alabama
Elevating survivor and family stories that illustrate real-world impact
Supporting lawmakers who are willing to work together on life-saving policies
Keeping communities informed and engaged so they can speak up