John–
For too long, many gun manufacturers have been reckless and have faced almost no consequences.
We will not let this dangerous behavior continue unchecked.
Today in Highland Park, Illinois, Everytown Law's litigators joined with survivors to announce a groundbreaking lawsuit: To hold Smith & Wesson legally accountable for its role in the July 4th mass shooting in Highland Park. Gun manufacturers must change their reckless business practices before they lead to more lives destroyed.
The lawsuit alleges that Smith & Wesson bears part of the legal responsibility for the July 4th mass shooting in Highland Park, where seven people were killed and at least 48 were wounded.
According to the complaint, gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson have encouraged young men like the shooter in Highland Park to arm themselves with assault rifles, using marketing that appeals to a certain subset who harbor violent fantasies.
The survivors allege that, when these consumers foreseeably use Smith & Wesson assault rifles in mass shootings, the families and communities affected suffer while the gun manufacturer celebrates a boost to its bottom line. Instead of taking steps to stop this senseless slaughter, the lawsuit alleges that Smith & Wesson enables it through its reckless marketing.
We've seen this pattern play out time and again, according to the suit—Smith & Wesson's M&P rifles have been repeatedly used in several mass shootings, including those in Aurora, Colorado; San Bernardino, California; and Parkland, Florida.
The complaint alleges that the company's refusal to acknowledge its role in tragedies like Highland Park and its continued use of negligent and unlawful marketing and sales practices poses a clear and unacceptable risk to public safety.
Our communities cannot afford this recklessness any longer. Gun manufacturers must put public safety first.
Nick Suplina
He/Him/His
Senior VP of Law and Policy
Everytown for Gun Safety
