EA Mexican government lawsuit against American gun manufacturers has been dismissed by a US judge. On Friday he referred to a law that protects these companies from liability for the use of their products. Mexico’s government last year sued manufacturers including Smith & Wesson and Colt, as well as an arms dealer, in connection with criminal groups’ use of smuggled weapons from the United States in the country. She plans to appeal the verdict.
The Massachusetts District Judge dismissed arguments by the Mexican government that an exception to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act would be appropriate in this case. Although the court feels sympathy for the people of Mexico, it is bound by the law.
Mexico has been suffering from a wave of violence for years. Last year, an average of almost 100 homicides per day were registered in the Latin American country. Criminal gangs are responsible for most of the violence. Most of the weapons used in Mexico’s bloody drug war come from the United States. It is estimated that around 200,000 guns are smuggled into Mexico every year. According to the lawsuit, 70 to 90 percent of guns seized from crime scenes came from the United States, while Mexico itself has strict gun laws.
“We will continue to work to ensure that arms distribution is responsible, transparent and accountable,” the government said in a statement on Friday. “The careless manner in which guns are sold in the United States makes them easier for criminals to gain access to.”
