A federal court in Massachusetts has dismissed a portion of Mexico’s lawsuit against U.S. gunmakers.
Mexico is seeking $10 billion against major U.S. gunmakers it says facilitated weapons trafficking into Mexico and fueled drug cartel violence there — one of two suits the country has filed against various aspects of the gun trade.
Dennis Saylor, chief judge for the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, dismissed claims against six of the eight gun companies — ruling their connection to Massachusetts wasn’t strong enough and that none of the firearms sold in that state had caused violence in Mexico.
Anywhere from 70%-90% of the firearms in Mexico have passed through the U.S. first, according to federal data from both countries. Lawyers for the Mexico argued some of the firearms purchased in Massachusetts likely did make to across the border eventually, but Saylor said that claim lacked that evidence.
The country has not yet said whether it will appeal the ruling. Another suit focused on a group of Arizona gun stores is ongoing.
