Sen. Tommy Tuberville says there’s ‘no reason’ Glock switches should be banned in Alabama

Alabama’s senior U.S. senator says there is “no reason” to impose a state-level ban on Glock wrenches, devices that convert semi-automatic handguns into automatics.

WBMA reported on statements Senator Tommy Tuberville spoke about the recent violence in Birmingham on Saturday. mass murder September 21 The incident killed four people and injured at least 17 outside the Hush Lounge. Police said some of the gunfire came from a gun equipped with a conversion device or Glock key.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin called State ban on Glock keys. State House Ban passed in Aprilbut the Senate did not pass the legislation. Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, has previously filed a similar bill for the next legislative session.

Some GOP senators Contacted by AL.com last week He said that they would now consider such a measure. The devices are illegal under federal law, but state or local law enforcement that finds a Glock key must turn the case over to federal authorities, who will decide whether to prosecute.

Tuberville told the press in Birmingham on Saturday that government intervention was unnecessary.

“There is no need to legislate on this,” he said, according to WBMA. “When people have Glock keys and we find out they have them, put them in jail.”

A Glock key is about an inch long, made of metal or plastic, and can be 3D printed. Device fits behind a gun and allows the user to switch between semi-automatic gunfire and fully automatic gunfire.

Previous state-level efforts to crack down on Glock switches they withdrew support From Alabama sheriffs, state troopers and prosecutors. earlier this yearMississippi criminalizes possession of a weapon-transforming device. Last week, Birmingham State Representative Juandalynn Givan said she would introduce a bill ban rising stockswhich converts semi-automatic rifles to automatic fire.

More than 100 shots were fired into a crowd outside a lounge in the city’s Five Points South entertainment district and an investigation is ongoing, Birmingham police said. Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr.26, Anitra Holloman21, Tahj Booker, 27 and Carlos McCain, 27He was killed in the conflict.

Tuberville also called for stricter border enforcement and additional funding for local law enforcement, WBMA reported.

“Federal marshals should be involved, the FBI should be involved, anyone who has anything to do with gang-related issues should be involved,” he said. “Mostly gang related.”

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond told AL.com that investigators believe the shooting was an assault. “hit” – a murder-for-hire targeting at least one person Among the men killed in the conflict. Police did not describe the incident as gang-related.