Gun makers lose challenge to New York regulation permitting lawsuits against industry

Guns confiscated at New York City public colleges are displayed at a news conference with Mayor Eric Adams at police headquarters to talk about guns in public colleges in New York Metropolis on May 25, 2022 in New York Metropolis.

Spencer Platt | Getty Photos

A federal judge on Wednesday threw out a lawsuit by a bunch of gun producers, distributors and retailers difficult the constitutionality of a New York legislation that allows the state and people affected by gun violence to sue the industry.

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

The ruling came a day after a gunman killed 19 children and two adults at a Texas elementary college, the newest in a spate of mass shootings, prompting renewed calls by Democrats for more durable gun laws.

The Nationwide Shooting Sports activities Foundation, a trade group for the firearms business, didn't immediately respond to a request for remark.

Democratic former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo last July signed into law a measure that seeks to beat authorized hurdles that have largely shielded the business from lawsuits associated to gun violence.

The regulation permits firearm sellers, manufacturers 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 legislation wrongly imposes liability on companies working anyplace within the country that make, promote or market weapons or ammunition which might be misused by criminals in New York.