Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Mexico’s lawsuit aimed at holding U.S. gun manufacturers accountable for fueling gun violence in Mexico is not sufficient to overcome the unique protections from civil liability that Congress granted the firearm industry. In response, Nick Wilson, senior director for Gun Violence Prevention at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
The continued failure to hold the gun industry accountable for arming Mexican drug cartels with U.S. guns undermines our national security and immigration priorities. The same dangerous and irresponsible gun industry practices fueling violence and instability in Mexico and Central America are also contributing to firearms being the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens.
Fortunately, the court rejected the gun industry’s request to shield firearm manufacturers and sellers from virtually all liability, even when they act unlawfully. It’s time for Congress to pass legislation to reduce illegal gun trafficking and repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to ensure survivors of gun violence, both at home and abroad, can access the same legal avenues for justice that hold other industries accountable.
For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].