(Reuters) – A U.S. judge on Monday ruled that the Mexican government could proceed with a lawsuit against five Arizona gun dealers accused of participating in trafficking weapons and ammunition to Mexican drug cartels. U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez in Tucson rejected arguments that the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) shielded the dealers from Mexico’s claims.
The gun dealers named in the lawsuit are Diamondback Shooting Sports Inc, SnG Tactical LLC, Loan Prairie LLC, Ammo A-Z LLC, and Sprague’s Sports Inc. Mexico alleged that these companies violated U.S. firearm laws by facilitating the trafficking of military-style assault weapons and ammunition to cartels through reckless practices, such as sales to straw purchasers.
While Judge Marquez allowed much of the lawsuit to proceed, she dismissed certain legal claims made by Mexico, including violations of U.S. racketeering law and creation of a public nuisance. The Mexican government’s lawyers, including Jonathan Lowy from Global Action for Gun Violence, expressed optimism about proving their case in court.
Lowy stated, “Today’s ruling is a significant step towards holding the gun industry accountable for its role in gun violence and stopping the flow of trafficked guns to cartels.” Defense attorneys for the gun dealers did not provide any comments in response to the ruling.
Mexico initiated the lawsuit against the Arizona dealers shortly after a federal judge in Boston dismissed a $10 billion lawsuit in 2021 targeting U.S. gun manufacturers for their alleged involvement in weapons trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border. In January, a U.S. appeals court revived the lawsuit against manufacturers like Smith & Wesson Brands and Sturm, Ruger & Co.
The manufacturers involved in the revived lawsuit are expected to seek appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The ongoing legal battles highlight the complex issue of gun trafficking between the United States and Mexico, and the efforts to hold various players accountable for their alleged roles in facilitating this activity.
Overall, the ruling by Judge Marquez allows Mexico to pursue its claims against the Arizona gun dealers, raising questions about the liability of gun industry players in cases of weapons trafficking. The outcome of these lawsuits could have significant implications for the firearms industry and the regulation of gun sales across borders.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Mexican government and advocacy groups like Global Action for Gun Violence are committed to seeking justice and accountability for the harm caused by illegal gun trafficking. The involvement of multiple parties in these lawsuits underscores the complexity and importance of addressing the issue of firearms and ammunition smuggling.
The dispute between Mexico and the gun dealers sheds light on the challenges faced in combating weapons trafficking and holding individuals and entities responsible for their actions. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely have repercussions for how similar cases are handled in the future, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address gun violence and illicit arms trade.
With the legal battles intensifying, the case serves as a reminder of the need for stronger regulations and enforcement measures to prevent the flow of weapons to criminal organizations. The outcome of these lawsuits could set precedents for future cases involving gun dealers, manufacturers, and other entities implicated in illegal firearms trafficking.
Ultimately, the ruling by Judge Marquez marks a significant development in the lawsuit brought by Mexico against the Arizona gun dealers, signaling the potential for increased scrutiny and accountability in cases of weapons trafficking and illicit arms sales.
(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Richard Chang)
