Remington Arms Wants Sandy Hook Shooting Lawsuit Struck Down By Judge

Gun manufacturer Remington Arms wants a judge to strike down a lawsuit brought about by the victims’ families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012. The parents of 9 children killed at the school argue that Remington should have never released the Bushmaster AR-15 to the general public, saying it is an assault weapon that belongs solely in the military and law enforcement. Some of the scrutiny hinges on how Remington markets the AR-15.

Sandy Hook families want answers from Remington’s marketing materials

The lawsuit was filed by Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder, who represent the families. Their deposition of two Remington marketing and sales employees is underway.

Remington proclaims that certain documents are internal information that could be financially threatening to the company. It also states in its motion for a protective order that disclosing those records may benefit its competitors. Some of the documents Remington does not want disclosed are proprietary market research and sales strategies.

Families of the victims slam Remington for using military language in its marketing that attracts those intending to commit mass murder. They want the gun manufacturer to relinquish documents about firearm safety and sales practices.

Attorney for Remington Arms tells judge lawsuit should be dismissed on ‘several technical grounds’

Attorney James Vogts for Remington Arms argued that the lawsuit should be dismissed on “several technical grounds,” NBC Connecticut reports. Lawyers for Remington use the argument that the lawsuit is barred by a 2005 federal law, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which guards gun manufacturers in a majority of lawsuits should criminals choose to misuse their firearms.

The victims’ families accuse Remington of violating the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act and the common law of “negligent entrustment,” which applies to cases when a gun store sells to buyer who is clearly intoxicated and threatening to kill someone.

Other defendants in the lawsuit

Besides Remington, other defenders in the lawsuit are Camfour, a firearm distributor, and Riverview Gun Sales, a now-shut down store where the Sandy Hook shooter purchased the Bushmaster rifle back in 2010.

Remington Arms is based in Madison, North Carolina and is the parent company of Bushmaster Firearms, which made the AR-15 used in the Sandy Hook shooting.

Sandy Hook shooting spawned great debate on the gun culture

The December 14, 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook resulted in 26 casualties; 20 students and six educators were left dead. Since the tragic shooting, President Obama has been open about stricter gun control and a large number of legislators around the country have attempted to place tighter restrictions on the sale of guns. The nation has become deeply divided on the topic of firearms and the Second Amendment. It has all the signs of remaining a  hot button issue in the United States with such polarizing views on guns and their place in society.

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Gunmaker-in-Sandy-Hook-Lawsuit-Moves-to-Keep-Materials-Secret-385622981.html

Sandy Hook victims’ families file lawsuit against Remington