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Smith & Wesson, alongside other gun retailers and distributors, is set to face a civil lawsuit following a 2022 mass shooting that took place during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois. In a ruling this week, Lake County Circuit Judge Jorge L. Ortiz allowed claims of negligence and unfair business practices to proceed against the firearms manufacturer. The ruling comes as victims allege deceptive marketing concerning the M&P semi-automatic assault rifle, which was used in the tragic event, arguing that it was marketed in a way that concealed its nature as an illegal machine gun.
On April 1, Judge Ortiz dismissed attempts by Smith & Wesson and others to avoid facing these accusations in court. The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys from Romanucci & Blandin, Everytown Law, and Wallace Miller. This case raises significant questions about the responsibility and accountability of firearm manufacturers in relation to how their products are marketed and distributed. For more detailed information, the ruling and its implications can be examined further at Law.com.
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