In a controversial legal decision that could have major implications for the firearms industry, an Illinois judge has ruled that a wrongful death lawsuit against Smith & Wesson may proceed—a move that the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is blasting as “outrageous.”
The case stems from the tragic events of July 4, 2022, when Robert Crimo III opened fire during a parade in Highland Park, Illinois, killing seven and injuring dozens more. Crimo has since pleaded guilty and is expected to spend the rest of his life behind bars. His father also pleaded guilty to seven felony counts of reckless conduct for helping his son obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, according to CBS News.
But now, attention is turning to Smith & Wesson—manufacturer of the rifle allegedly used in the attack—as plaintiffs pursue a lawsuit based on the company’s marketing practices.
Second Amendment Foundation Pushes Back
“This is precisely the type of junk lawsuit that Congress sought to prevent with the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA),” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “Smith & Wesson is no more responsible for the Highland Park shooting than a car manufacturer would be for a drunk driver who kills someone in a crash.”
SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut added, “Allowing this case to proceed opens the floodgates for lawfare against firearm manufacturers, aiming not for justice but to destroy the firearms industry through endless litigation.”
A Familiar Legal Tactic Resurfaces
This lawsuit is not without precedent. More than two decades ago, anti-gun municipalities attempted similar lawsuits against gun makers—tactics that ultimately led to the passage of the PLCAA in 2005. Those suits failed to hold gun companies liable for the actions of criminals but did succeed in racking up massive legal fees that drained resources from manufacturers and retailers alike.
Now, according to SAF, we’re witnessing a repeat of that playbook—with billionaire-backed gun control groups like Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety allegedly supporting the plaintiffs.
“The current argument is a recycled one,” Gottlieb explained. “They’re accusing Smith & Wesson of marketing firearms to minors, in violation of Illinois consumer laws. It’s absurd and clearly designed to bankrupt the company, not bring justice to the victims.”
Legal Implications for Gun Owners
If the case continues and results in a loss for Smith & Wesson, it could set a dangerous precedent for gun manufacturers nationwide. According to SAF, this could not only chill the lawful marketing and sale of firearms but also threaten Second Amendment rights by proxy.
“This isn’t just about one company,” said Kraut. “It’s about whether manufacturers can be held responsible for the unlawful misuse of a legally sold product.”
The Bigger Picture
Critics argue that this ruling is part of a broader campaign to restrict gun rights through indirect legal pressure. SAF warns that if courts continue to entertain these types of lawsuits, it may not be long before manufacturers begin pulling out of high-risk states—or shutting down entirely due to mounting legal expenses.
The fight, according to SAF, is far from over.
For more updates and legal advocacy resources, visit saf.org.
Hey, Kash!! Do what you can to reduce regulatory overhead for gun makers so they have more money to fight these lawsuits.
Also, have the ATF file amicus briefs in support of gun makers.
Hey, Pam!! How about appointing some prosecutors to work with the FBI to investigate these leftist judges? You know they are dirty.
Obviously the sneaky judge has a sick taste for Gun Control an agenda History Confirms is Rooted in Racism and Genocide.
Obviously Debbie W. has a sick taste for berating anyone who rejects her drivel, her agenda that her historical comments confirm is rooted in utter contempt for “others”.
Senselesstwit…It takes a real pathetic azzhole to bark at anyone Defining Gun Control by its History…wipe the crybaby snot off your face.
On a more serious note, we should all be relieved that Debbie W. has figured everything out. Using her strategy, we can end rape when we simply teach rapists that their urge to rape women is an agenda rooted in misogyny.
Senselesstwit…You need to wear a propeller cap that says, “Don’t Slap Sht Splatters.”
Pro tip: when your adversaries respond with ad-hominem attacks, they are admitting defeat.
Debbie –
Save your aggravation, don’t argue with leftists. They are not reasonable people, and you could say the sun comes up in the East and they would claim it does not.
Print the leftist judges and prosecutors names
They already should be published. See if you can look them up.
Settling Newtown opened the door for this bs! My S&W rifle is marked safe from ILL annoy scum🙄
Elections have consequences.
Elections also have consequences over the keeping or losing of our constitutional rights.
It’s not supposed to be that way, but it is. We need to deal with this reality.
Once again, Federal Law will shoot this case down..
Test.
I get drunk and drive my car real fast, one of these days the booze is going to make my car run into a crowd of people.
What’s up with the leave a comment thing?
Couldn’t you have at least found a stock photo to run of ANY
Smith & Wesson product???
You’re not even trying anymore
How does some idiotic legal moron shyster come up with this stupidity without anyone calling them on it.
Was this fool appointed or voted in. Talk about going wayyy over your authority.
Then by definition, EVERY vehicle manufacturer, dealer and parts supplier is on the radar. Every DUI is Ford’s fault, or GM’s fault. That way, families can play life’s lottery. What a pinheaded decision.
The father already plead guilty to allowing him to apply for the FOID card required to purchase the firearm. So, if we keep extrapolating? this out, shouldn’t the State of ILL-annoy, the Illinois State Police, and anyone else involved in the issuance, should be held accountable and sued or thrown in jail also. Oh, that’s right the crooked politicos have guaranteed immunity… Just like druggie Hunter…
Illinois< What else can be said?
Illinois< What else can be said?
Dimwitocrats keep winning, because they understand how to fight; even “losses” are coveted, because they can fundraise on both wins and losses. And, because they consistantly hammer the Rules for Radicals.
This is why a poltical party with only29% approval still has the support of 75,017,613 voters. Republicrats (including Trump voters) are awarded a 52% approval rating, yet managed to elect Trump by just 3,059,799 votes (Republicrats seem uninterested in later down ballot elections, when their favorite wins national elections).
Republicrats seem unable to understand that for leftists, the war/revolution continues non-stop, until final victory (whatever that may look like). Repubs are sorta “one and done” people.