Several families affected by the Uvalde shooting have filed a lawsuit against technology companies, including gun-maker Daniel Defense, in connection to the tragic incident in which a shooter killed students and teachers at a Texas high school. The families believe that these companies played a role in radicalizing and influencing the shooter, leading to the deadly attack. The lawsuit accuses Daniel Defense of knowingly exposing the shooter to the weapon, conditioning him to view it as a tool to solve problems, and training him to use it. In addition to suing the gun-maker, the families have also filed a $500 million lawsuit against Texas state police officials and officers involved in the law enforcement response that day.
The families have also targeted technology companies such as Meta and Activision Blizzard in their lawsuits, alleging that the shooter had played violent video games such as “Call of Duty” since he was 15, including versions that allowed him to practice with the rifle he used in the attack. They claim that Instagram, owned by Meta, did little to enforce rules banning marketing firearms and harmful content to children. The families argue that the shooter was courted through aggressive marketing on the platform, glorifying the illegal and murderous use of weapons. Both Daniel Defense and Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuits.
The video game industry, represented by the Entertainment Software Association, has pushed back against blaming games for violence, stating that research has not found a link between video gameplay and real-life violent incidents. Activision Blizzard expressed sympathy for the families affected by the Uvalde shooting and emphasized that millions of people worldwide enjoy video games without resorting to violent acts. The lawsuits filed in Texas and California seek damages for the families affected by the attack, but the exact amount of damages sought was not specified.
The Uvalde shooting, which left many dead, wounded, or dying, prompted a significant law enforcement response involving hundreds of federal, state, and local officers. However, there has been criticism of the delayed response, with officers waiting over an hour to confront the shooter inside the classroom. The families of the victims are seeking justice through legal action against not only the technology companies, but also the police officials and officers involved in the law enforcement response that day. In a separate lawsuit filed in December 2022, local and state police, the city, and other school and law enforcement entities were targeted, with plaintiffs seeking at least $27 billion in damages and class-action status for survivors.
The Uvalde shooter had opened an online account with Daniel Defense before turning 18 and purchased the rifle shortly after. The families allege that the shooter was influenced by aggressive marketing tactics on Instagram, as well as by playing violent video games. The accusations against the technology companies and gun-maker underscore a growing concern over the role of media and technology in influencing individuals towards violent behavior. The lawsuits highlight the complexities of addressing the root causes of mass shootings and the responsibilities of companies in preventing such tragic events. As legal proceedings continue, the families affected by the Uvalde shooting seek accountability and justice for the loss and devastation they have experienced.
