Mexico’s $10 Billion Lawsuit Against U.S. Arms Companies for…

Mexico argued it was statistically likely that some of the firearms sold in Massachusetts were ultimately smuggled illegally into Mexico, but Saylor said the country did not have sufficient evidence to establish jurisdiction.

The lawsuit initially accused the gun manufacturers of undermining Mexico’s strict gun laws by designing, marketing and distributing military-style assault weapons. in ways the companies allegedly knew would arm drug cartels. Mexico alleged that of the more than 500,000 firearms smuggled into Mexico from the U.S. each year, more than 68 percent are manufactured by the companies it has sued.

According to Mexico, this illicit trade has contributed to high rates of gun-related violence, a decline in investment and economic activity.and increased spending on law enforcement and public safety.

Parties on both sides of the legal dispute reacted to the news, according to testimony collected by The Guardian. Lawrence Keane, general counsel for the industry association National Shooting Sports Foundation, welcomed the decision, ldismissing Mexico’s claims as “clear forum shopping” Steve Shadowen, an attorney representing Mexico, expressed disappointment over the dismissal and said Mexico is considering its legal options.