Mexico’s $10 Billion Lawsuit Against U.S. Gunmakers Can Proceed, Appeals Court Rules
ForbesJAN 20 2024
The lawsuit alleges that American gun makers, including Smith & Wesson, Colt, and Glock, facilitate the trafficking of weapons to Mexican drug cartels, contributing to increased gun violence in Mexico.
Mexico claims that between 342,000 and 597,000 weapons produced by the defendants are trafficked into the country each year, with 70% to 90% of guns recovered from crime scenes originating from the United States.
The appeals court ruled that Mexico's complaint "plausibly alleges a type of claim that is statutorily exempt" from the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which typically shields gun manufacturers from liability.
The lawsuit is misplaced and baseless. The Mexican government should focus on bringing drug cartels to justice in Mexican courtrooms instead of scapegoating the firearm industry for their unwillingness to protect Mexican citizens. The case deflects attention from Mexico's disgraceful and corrupt failure to address its internal issues.