Community Corner
Sandy Hook Gun Lawsuit Moved to Federal Court
The lawsuit filed against the manufacturer of the gun used during the shooting was originally filed in state court.
A lawsuit filed by family members of Sandy Hook Elementary School victims against the Bushmaster gun manufacturer has been moved to federal court.
Remington Outdoor Co. was granted the move from state Superior Court to U.S. District court, according to the Connecticut Post.
The case will be heard before U.S. District Judge Robert Chatigny in Hartford.
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There are significant hurdles for the suit to overcome. The federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act prohibits, “...civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others.”
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The lawsuit — filed by Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder — alleges that the Bushmaster AR-15 rifle used in the attack that led to 20 students and six educators being killed shouldn’t have been released to the public and belongs only in the military and with law enforcement.
“The AR-15 was specifically engineered for the United States Military to meet the needs of changing warfare,” said Josh Koskoff in a statement when the suit was first filed. “In fact, one of the Army’s specifications for the AR-15 was that it has the capability to penetrate a steel helmet. This weapon was not designed for home defense or hunting. This weapon was designed to efficiently kill other human beings in combat.”
The complaint was filed in Superior Court, Bridgeport in December. It alleges negligence and wrongful death under the negligent entrustment theory.
The lawsuit also names firearm distributor Camfour Inc. of Massachusetts and Riverview Gun Sales of East Windsor. The Bushmaster AR-15 rifle was purchased in 2010 at the East Windsor store.
Read the full Post story here.
Image via CT State Police report of weapon recovered at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
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