The Complaint alleged that firearms manufacturer Polymer80, Inc. and firearms retailer Hanover Armory, LLC created a public nuisance and were negligent when they violated Maryland and federal firearms law by manufacturing, advertising, and selling ghost gun kits. With the kits, consumers could easily and quickly assemble fully functioning, home-assembled, untraceable, and unserialized ghost guns.

The Complaint alleged that Polymer80, which accounted for 91% of all ghost guns seized in the City of Baltimore, and Hanover Armory, exacerbated the public health crisis of gun violence within Baltimore. The City filed the lawsuit seeking monetary and injunctive relief as a result of the harm suffered by residents because of ghost guns.

In February 2024, the City and Polymer80 reached a settlement of the lawsuit that imposed a permanent injunction against Polymer80, prohibiting the ghost gun manufacturer from selling or advertising its ghost gun kits in Maryland. Polymer80 also agreed to pay the City over $1 million to compensate for the damage caused to the City by ghost guns.

In August 2025, a Baltimore jury returned a $62 million verdict against gun dealer Hanover Armory, the largest jury verdict against a gun dealer in U.S. history. The verdict marked a significant legal precedent in holding firearm retailers accountable for fueling gun violence. The City of Baltimore was represented by Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Berger Montague, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, and the Baltimore City Department of Law. Public Justice recognized the City’s attorneys as finalists for the 2026 Trial Lawyer of the Year Award.

In April 2026, following an appeal of the trial court decision, the City reached a settlement with Hanover Armory ensuring that the gun dealer will follow strict reporting requirements, not sell unserialized gun kits, and alert the City of attempted straw purchases. Additionally, Hanover Armory agreed to pay the City $2 million.