US Judge Dismisses Majority Of Mexico’s Claims In Suit Against Gun Manufacturers

Mica for cartelinsider.com

A U.S. federal judge dismissed most of Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit against American gun manufacturers.

Judge Dennis Saylor ruled against claims involving six of the eight companies sued, citing U.S. law that shields gun makers from liability when their products are used as intended.

This marks the second time Saylor has dismissed the case, despite a prior appeals court ruling allowing it to proceed.

Judge Saylor dismissed Mexico’s case against six gun companies, stating their ties to Massachusetts were “gossamer-thin.”

He noted that none of the companies are based in the state, have facilities there, or sold firearms directly linked to injuries in Mexico.

Mexico’s argument that firearms sold in Massachusetts likely ended up in Mexico was deemed insufficient to establish jurisdiction.

Mexico’s lawsuit against Smith & Wesson and Witmer Public Safety Group remains active despite Wednesday’s ruling.

The Mexican government is considering an appeal or pursuing the case in other U.S. courts.

Mexico accuses the gun makers of designing and marketing weapons to attract criminal organizations, citing examples like a Colt pistol with Emiliano Zapata’s image, used in the 2017 murder of journalist Miroslava Breach.

The Foreign Ministry argues that such practices contribute to violence in Mexico.

Mexico has also filed a separate lawsuit against five Arizona gun stores for allegedly trafficking firearms to Mexico, where legal gun purchases are restricted to a single army-run store.

The government argues that over 500,000 guns are trafficked annually, fueling gun-related deaths, harming the economy, and increasing public security costs. Last year, 70% of Mexico’s 31,000 homicides involved firearms.

Lawrence Keane, general counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, praised the recent dismissal in Massachusetts, criticizing Mexico’s “forum-shopping” and expressing confidence that the remaining claims against Smith & Wesson and Witmer Public Safety Group will also be dismissed.

He previously argued that U.S. gun manufacturers aren’t to blame for Mexico’s crime issues and suggested Mexico should focus on enforcing its own laws rather than scapegoating the firearm industry.

With reports from Reuters and AP

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