In the midst of an RCMP inquiry on Prince Edward Island, a handgun has stirred legal disputes involving its manufacturer and was recently procured in bulk by the Canadian Armed Forces. The firearm in question is a SIG Sauer P320, which purportedly discharged unintentionally while secured in a Charlottetown police officer’s holster on September 4.
This particular pistol has faced scrutiny from various U.S. law enforcement agencies this year due to safety apprehensions, leading to some agencies suspending or discontinuing its use. Additionally, the gun was under investigation by a sector of the American military following the accidental demise of a U.S. Air Force technician in July. Subsequently, another U.S. servicemember has been arrested for involuntary manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and providing false statements in connection with the fatal incident.
The incident involving the Charlottetown police officer and the SIG Sauer P320 occurred outside a provincial detention center, as confirmed by Charlottetown police to CBC News. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although Interim Charlottetown Police Chief Jennifer McCarron expressed deep concern over the occurrence, prompting the RCMP to launch an investigation.
Despite attempts to obtain a comment from SIG Sauer, headquartered in Newington, N.H., CBC News did not receive a response. The involvement of the P320 in a mishap with a Canadian special forces soldier in November 2020 led to the acquisition of over 19,700 of these modern handguns by the Department of National Defence. These firearms were rebranded as the C22/C24 for Canadian military use.
In a separate incident, an active U.S. serviceman at a Wyoming Air Force base tragically died after the accidental discharge of a P320 (designated M-18 by the U.S. military). This led to a temporary suspension of the firearm’s use by the air force, which was later reinstated for general use. The primary safety concern revolves around allegations that the P320 can discharge without a trigger pull.
Various law enforcement agencies in the U.S., such as the Houston Police Department and the Chicago Police Department, have banned the use of the P320 due to misfires and accidental discharges. In Canada, a few municipal forces utilize this firearm.
Following a class-action lawsuit against SIG Sauer by 22 alleged victims across 16 states, the Department of National Defence stated that it is closely monitoring the situation but has not implemented additional safety measures or considered withdrawing the firearm from service. The Canadian military emphasizes improved training protocols for handling and holstering the C22 and C24 pistols to prevent mishaps.
Despite repeated attempts to seek comments from SIG Sauer and its Canadian distributor, M.D. Charlton, both companies did not respond but instead refuted claims online. SIG Sauer defended the safety of the P320, stating that it cannot discharge without the trigger being moved. The company reiterated its commitment to safety and highlighted the extensive testing the P320 has undergone.
Jeff Bagnell, a lawyer from Westport, Conn., who has dealt with cases related to P320 accidental discharges, suggested caution regarding the firearm’s use until safety concerns are addressed. He advised considering carrying the weapon without a round in the chamber. Bagnell emphasized the importance of acknowledging and rectifying the issues associated with the P320 rather than dismissing them.
Overall, the controversies surrounding the SIG Sauer P320 highlight the significance of prioritizing safety measures and thorough assessments in the use of firearms by law enforcement and military entities.