Just moments ago a motion filed by gun companies requesting that a lawsuit brought by 10 families affected by the Sandy Hook school massacre be thrown out was denied by a Connecticut Judge. They had requested to be shielded by a law known as Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which protects gun manufacturers from civil lawsuits.
Newsweek reports that the basis of the argument of the plaintiffs is that the rifle shouldn’t have been entrusted to the general public because it is a "military-style assault weapon" that should not have been in the hands of civilians and that the gun companies knew, or should have known, the risk it posed.
The families of the plaintiffs issued this brief statement through their lead attorney, Josh Koskoff:
“We are thrilled that the gun companies’ motion to dismiss was denied. The families look forward to continuing their fight in court"
The next court date, per Newsweek, is April 19th, at which time the Judge is expected to issue her ruling. This decision, if in favor of the plaintiffs, would potentially open up gun manufacturers to a litany of civil suits and could potentially change protections given to weapons manufacturers nationwide.
Updates will be provided as further details come in on this breaking news story.
