Mexico Lawsuit Against American Gunmakers Revived by US Appeals Court

A US appeals court has ruled in favor of Mexico, allowing a $10 billion lawsuit against American gunmakers to proceed, according to BBC.

The Mexican government contends that the illegal influx of guns across the border results from intentional business practices by American gunmakers.

Despite a lower court dismissing the Mexico lawsuit in late 2022, the country's appeal has revived the long-standing legal battle.

Several prominent gun manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, Glock, Beretta, Barrett, Sturm, and Ruger, are named in the lawsuit.

Mexican authorities assert that tens of thousands of US-manufactured guns are trafficked into Mexico annually, contributing to the deadly violence perpetrated by drug cartels.

Estimates suggest that over half a million weapons reach Mexican cartels each year, creating a severe public safety crisis.

Last year, Mexico witnessed over 30,000 murders, and the country's stringent gun laws make it challenging for citizens to legally access firearms.

The ruling from the appeals court brings a glimmer of hope for Mexico, allowing them to pursue accountability for the alleged role of American gunmakers in the ongoing crisis.

Mexico Officials' Response to Lawsuit Revival

Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena welcomed the court's decision to revive Mexico lawsuit, describing it as "great news," per The Guardian.

Steve Shadowen, the country's US lawyer, emphasized the significance of holding the gun industry accountable.

He stated that those contributing to gun violence should face legal consequences regardless of borders.

"It should now be clear that those who contribute to gun violence must face legal consequences, regardless of borders," Shadowen said.

In its complaint filed in August 2021, Mexico estimated that approximately 2.2% of nearly 40 million guns manufactured annually in the US are smuggled into Mexico.

The Mexico lawsuit highlights the profound impact of gun smuggling on Mexico's gun-related deaths, economic activity, and law enforcement expenses.

The companies targeted in the lawsuit, including Smith & Wesson and Glock, deny any wrongdoing.

Revival of Mexico Lawsuit and Allegations

The Mexico lawsuit against American gunmakers faced a setback in 2022 when a federal judge dismissed Mexico's claims, citing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).

This law shields gun manufacturers from damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of firearms.

Mexico appealed the ruling, and the US First Circuit Court of Appeals has now revived the lawsuit, asserting that PLCAA does not apply to claims related to deaths, damages, and injuries in Mexico.

While the legal proceedings continue, Mexico is urgently calling for an investigation into the increased presence of US military-grade weapons in the hands of Mexican drug cartels.

Mexico's Defense Department has raised concerns about the use of weapons not intended for civilian use in the United States, including belt-fed machine guns, rocket launchers, and grenades, AP reports.

The Mexican army has seized such weaponry from drug cartels since late 2018, presenting an additional challenge in combating organized crime.

Ken Salazar, the US ambassador to Mexico, acknowledged the issue and pledged to investigate, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the concerns raised by Mexican officials.

"We are going to look into it; we are committed to working with Sedena (Mexico's Defense Department) to see what's going on," Salazar said.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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