Law enforcement officers continue their investigation at the scene of a mass shooting at a July 4 celebration and parade in Highland Park, Illinois. EPA
Law enforcement officers continue their investigation at the scene of a mass shooting at a July 4 celebration and parade in Highland Park, Illinois. EPA
An aerial photo made with a drone shows US police investigating the scene of the mass shooting. EPA
An aerial photo made with a drone shows US police investigating the scene of the mass shooting. EPA
US police inspect chairs and belongings left behind at the scene. AFP
US police inspect chairs and belongings left behind at the scene. AFP
Belongings lie abandoned along the parade route. Reuters
Belongings lie abandoned along the parade route. Reuters
The gunman, identified as Robert Crimo, opened fire as people gathered to watch the July 4 parade. EPA
The gunman, identified as Robert Crimo, opened fire as people gathered to watch the July 4 parade. EPA
A man collects chairs that were abandoned by people fleeing the scene. EPA
A man collects chairs that were abandoned by people fleeing the scene. EPA
Flowers line the sidewalk near the scene of the mass shooting. EPA
Flowers line the sidewalk near the scene of the mass shooting. EPA
US police continue their investigation into the shooting. EPA
US police continue their investigation into the shooting. EPA
A couple retrieve two car seats near the parade route. Chicago Tribune / AP
A couple retrieve two car seats near the parade route. Chicago Tribune / AP
A community member organises abandoned belongings. Reuters
A community member organises abandoned belongings. Reuters
Members of the FBI's evidence response team walk the scene one day after the mass shooting. AP
Members of the FBI's evidence response team walk the scene one day after the mass shooting. AP
A US flag and a chair lie abandoned along the parade route. Reuters
A US flag and a chair lie abandoned along the parade route. Reuters
Spray paint on the ground marks evidence along the parade route. Reuters
Spray paint on the ground marks evidence along the parade route. Reuters

World

US

Gun maker Smith & Wesson sued over mass shooting at July 4 parade in Illinois

Smith & Wesson Brands is facing lawsuits from victims of the Highland Park attack that killed seven

Bloomberg

September 29, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Victims of a mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade north of Chicago have filed a lawsuit against gun maker Smith & Wesson Brands for marketing firearms to young men with a propensity for violent behaviour.

A series of lawsuits against the company were filed on Wednesday over the attack in Highland Park, Illinois, which left seven dead and 48 injured.

It is the latest effort by victims of such attacks to pursue damages against gun makers, which have generally been protected from liability under federal law.

“This isn’t just Highland Park, Illinois,” said Antonio Romanucci, whose law firm is part of the legal team behind the lawsuits, which includes Everytown for Gun Safety.

“Now we’re seeing a pattern.”

The complaints filed in Lake County allege the marketing of weapons by Smith & Wesson and other manufacturers are “the beginning and pivotal links in a foreseeable and predictable chain of events resulting in numerous mass shootings in America each year”.

A representative for Smith & Wesson did not respond to a request for comment.

The plaintiffs also claim that advertisements from the manufacturer promote a dangerous “warrior mentality” that does nothing to discourage would-be shooters from acquiring weapons and using them to carry out deadly attacks.

The suit also names alleged shooter Robert Eugene Crimo III, along with his father and several gun shops. Mr Crimo was arrested the day of the attack and has been charged with murder.

Children pause after hearing gunfire at a Fourth of July parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Illinois. Six people died and dozens were injured in the shooting. Reuters
Children pause after hearing gunfire at a Fourth of July parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Illinois. Six people died and dozens were injured in the shooting. Reuters
US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hold a moment of silence for the victims. Reuters
US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hold a moment of silence for the victims. Reuters
Robert (Bob) E. Crimo III, a person of interest in the mass shooting. Reuters
Robert (Bob) E. Crimo III, a person of interest in the mass shooting. Reuters
Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa, left, and his coaches bow their heads during a moment of silence at Guaranteed Rate Field. AP
Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa, left, and his coaches bow their heads during a moment of silence at Guaranteed Rate Field. AP
A tricycle abandoned near the scene of the shooting. Reuters
A tricycle abandoned near the scene of the shooting. Reuters
Law enforcement officers escort a family away from the scene. AFP
Law enforcement officers escort a family away from the scene. AFP
Officers search Highland Park. AFP
Officers search Highland Park. AFP
Families are escorted away from the scene. AFP
Families are escorted away from the scene. AFP
Officers search the area surrounding the park. AFP
Officers search the area surrounding the park. AFP
Officers keep a watchful eye following the shooting. AFP
Officers keep a watchful eye following the shooting. AFP
Community members visit the site of the shooting. Reuters
Community members visit the site of the shooting. Reuters
People quickly fled the scene and left their belongings behind. AFP
People quickly fled the scene and left their belongings behind. AFP
A woman cries following the shooting. AP
A woman cries following the shooting. AP
Chairs left behind after the shooting. Reuters
Chairs left behind after the shooting. Reuters
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