Gun makers lose challenge to New York law allowing lawsuits in opposition to industry

Guns confiscated at New York Metropolis public faculties are displayed at a information convention with Mayor Eric Adams at police headquarters to speak about guns in public faculties in New York Metropolis on Could 25, 2022 in New York Metropolis.

Spencer Platt | Getty Photos

A federal judge on Wednesday threw out a lawsuit by a group of gun manufacturers, distributors and retailers difficult the constitutionality of a New York regulation that permits the state and other people affected by gun violence to sue the trade.

U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino in Albany rejected a request by the National Taking pictures Sports Foundation and gun producers, including Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger & Co, to enjoin enforcement of the statute.

The ruling came a day after a gunman killed 19 youngsters and two adults at a Texas elementary faculty, the latest in a spate of mass shootings, prompting renewed calls by Democrats for harder gun laws.

The Nationwide Capturing Sports activities Foundation, a commerce group for the firearms business, did not instantly reply to a request for remark.

Democratic former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo final July signed into legislation a measure that seeks to overcome legal hurdles that have largely shielded the industry from lawsuits associated to gun violence.

The legislation allows firearm sellers, producers and distributors to be sued by the state, cities or individuals for making a "public nuisance" that endangers the public's security and well being.

The gun business group argued the law wrongly imposes liability on companies working anywhere in the country that make, sell or market guns or ammunition which might be misused by criminals in New York.