Gun makers lose problem to New York legislation allowing lawsuits in opposition to industry

Weapons confiscated at New York City public schools are displayed at a news conference with Mayor Eric Adams at police headquarters to discuss weapons in public schools in New York City on Might 25, 2022 in New York City.

Spencer Platt | Getty Photographs

A federal choose on Wednesday threw out a lawsuit by a group of gun producers, distributors and retailers difficult the constitutionality of a New York law that permits the state and 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 manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger & Co, to enjoin enforcement of the statute.

The ruling got here a day after a gunman killed 19 youngsters and two adults at a Texas elementary school, the newest in a spate of mass shootings, prompting renewed calls by Democrats for more durable gun rules.

The Nationwide Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade group for the firearms industry, didn't instantly reply to a request for remark.

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

The legislation permits firearm sellers, manufacturers and distributors to be sued by the state, cities or individuals for creating a "public nuisance" that endangers the public's safety and health.

The gun trade group argued the legislation wrongly imposes liability on firms working wherever in the country that make, promote or market weapons or ammunition which can be misused by criminals in New York.