Boston Officer Who Was Shot Sues Online Gun Dealer Website

BOSTON — A Boston police officer who was shot in the line of duty in 2106 is suing the online website where the gun used to shoot him was sold, saying the website should have a better way to prevent weapons from getting into the wrong hands.

The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence filed the lawsuit on behalf of Kurt Stokinger,39, and his wife and accuses Armslist.com of facilitating illegal gun trafficking.

"Officer Stokinger put his life on the line to protect the people of Boston, and he almost lost his life because someone who should never have had his hands on a gun was able to obtain one," Jonathan Lowy of the Brady Center said in a statement. "We are bringing this lawsuit because some businesses put profits ahead of people, and repeatedly work to undercut our laws that prevent dangerous criminals from endangering our communities with guns."

Stokinger, who graduated from the police academy in 2007, was shot in the leg in January 2016. The man who was indicted for shooting him, bought the gun on the street from a woman who purchased weapons through Armslist, according to the lawsuit. The Dorchester man has pleaded not guilty to shooting Stokinger and is awaiting trial.

The Brady Center argues that Armslist lets users buy guns anonymously without having to register through the website and avoid background checks by limiting searches to private sellers. There are also no limits on the number of guns that can be sold or bought, the lawsuit says.

“While other online gun companies have instituted safeguards to make it more likely that guns are sold legally and responsibly, Armslist has done the opposite. Intentionally entering into this risky environment, Armslist chose to establish an online firearms marketplace, which facilitated sales to illegal purchasers and did not include reasonable safeguards to minimize the risks of illegal and dangerous conduct,” the lawsuit reads.

Armslist has argued it can’t be held responsible for the actions of its users. A popup window on the homepage it includes a note telling users “always comply with local, state, federal and international law” and says the company does “not become involved in transactions between parties.”

Previously on Patch:

• Boston Police Identify Officer Shot Friday
• Dorchester Man Indicted in Shooting of Boston Cop

Photo courtesy Boston Police