BRIDGEPORT — A Connecticut Superior Court judge has ruled that a lawsuit can go forward against the maker of the rifle used in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
Judge Barbara Bellis ruled Thursday that a federal law protecting gun-makers from lawsuits does not prevent lawyers for the families of Sandy Hook victims from arguing that the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle is a military weapon and should not have been sold to civilians.
Gov. Dan Malloy released a statement on the ruling: “We’ve passed the toughest gun laws in the nation for a reason. These families deserve this — the ruling is the right one. The gun industry should not have protections that no other industry in America sees. This is a victory for the families and a victory for those who stand for commonsense gun laws.”
A lawyer for the families had argued there is an exception in federal law that allows litigation against companies that know, or should know, that their weapons are likely to be used in a way that risks injury to others.
Josh Koskoff, one of the lawyers representing the families, said in a statement, “We are thrilled that the gun companies’ motion to dismiss was denied. The families look forward to continuing their fight in court.”
Twenty children and six educators were killed in the December 2012 shooting.
The sides are due back in court Tuesday.
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released a statement on the ruling:
Today’s ruling in Connecticut is an important step forward for these families, who are bravely fighting to hold irresponsible gunmakers accountable for their actions. They deserve their day in court. Period. Unfortunately, PLCAA – the sweeping immunity law that protects gun manufacturers and dealers – still remains a major obstacle for these families and others seeking to hold these gun companies accountable. That is why, as president, I would lead the charge to repeal this law. Nothing can make these families whole again after losing their children and loved ones in Sandy Hook, but they deserve a president who will fight for them, and I am committed to doing just that.
