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Gunmakers Face New Legal Threat From Families of Mass Shooting Victims

Federal protection of firearms companies is still formidable, but the Uvalde families and others have access to an expanding legal playbook at the state level

People visit a memorial for victims of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. — People visit a memorial for victims of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Photographer: Alex Wong/Getty Images

By

Erik Larson and

Francesca Maglione

June 29, 2022, 1:30 PM UTC

Families of children and teachers killed in last month’s Texas school massacre face a formidable legal battle if they decide to sue the gun maker whose AR-15 semiautomatic rifle was used in the attack.

That doesn’t mean they can’t win.