Families in Uvalde, Texas, where a teenage gunman killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers, are suing Meta Platforms, the owner of Instagram, and the maker of the video game “Call of Duty,” along with Daniel Defense, the maker of the AR-15 assault rifle used in the 2022 massacre. The lawsuit alleges that these companies bear responsibility for the products used by the shooter. The lawsuit was filed on the two-year anniversary of the shooting, with the families’ attorney claiming there is a direct line between the companies’ actions and the tragedy.
The damages being sought in the lawsuit were not specified, but the families pointed out that the Uvalde shooter had played versions of “Call of Duty” since he was 15, with one version allowing him to effectively practice using the rifle he used in the shooting. The families also accused Instagram of failing to enforce its rules against marketing firearms and harmful content to children. However, a video game industry trade group defended video games, arguing that research had found no link between games and violence. Daniel Defense’s CEO called the shooting and similar incidents “pure evil” and “deeply disturbing” in a congressional hearing.
On a separate note, families impacted by the tragedy also filed a $500 million lawsuit against 91 Texas Department of Public Safety officers and the local school district over their response to the shooting. Local law enforcement officials faced criticism for hesitating to confront the shooter, potentially costing lives. Families accused the city of Uvalde and the state of Texas of not having enough resources or proper training to handle such situations. More than 370 federal, state, and local officers were present at the scene but waited over 70 minutes before confronting and killing the gunman.
Veronica Luevanos, a mother who lost her daughter and nephew in the shooting, expressed frustration at the lack of accountability for the officers who failed to act promptly. The families are seeking justice for the deaths of their loved ones and are holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Fox News Digital reached out to Meta, Daniel Defense, and the makers of “Call of Duty” for comment on the lawsuits. The Associated Press contributed to the report, shedding light on the ongoing legal battles and challenges faced by the families of the Uvalde school shooting victims. The tragic incident continues to raise questions about gun control, video games, and law enforcement response protocols in such scenarios.
