Mexican Lawsuit, US Legislation Putting Pressure on Arms Makers

Facts

• The recent mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas is being used as one of several examples of alleged negligence of US gun manufacturers in an ongoing lawsuit brought forward last year by Mexico.
• The lawsuit - which is against 10 US manufacturers - alleges that gun violence in Mexico is attributed to guns sold in the US and trafficked over the border. It estimates the damage from manufacturers could be $10B.
• Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and Glock Inc., are among the defendants, with the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry estimating that 70% of weapons trafficked across the border come from US companies.
• The lawsuit is currently pending a judicial decision on the gun manufacturers' request to dismiss it in accordance with the US Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).
• While the PLCAA shields gun companies from being sued by victims of gun violence, the lawsuit argues that it doesn't apply in Mexico.
• US lawmakers are also mounting pressure, with three states having adopted laws that counter PLCAA , and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) hoping to pass a federal repeal of the act.

Sources: Al Jazeera, FOX News, and NBC.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by The Capitalist. This lawsuit is Mexico's attempt to pass the blame for its growing criminal enterprise onto someone else. There are a myriad of factors behind the rampant crime and corruption within its borders, which means that, even if successful, this effort will do little to address them.
• Narrative B, as provided by CNN. While these companies may be protected by the PLCAA in the US, that law has no jurisdiction in Mexico. It is about time that these gun manufacturers and distributors are held accountable for knowingly allowing their products to fall into the hands of dangerous cartels.