Gun makers lose challenge to New York legislation allowing lawsuits in opposition to industry

Weapons confiscated at New York City public schools are displayed at a information conference with Mayor Eric Adams at police headquarters to talk about weapons in public schools in New York City on May 25, 2022 in New York Metropolis.

Spencer Platt | Getty Photos

A federal choose on Wednesday threw out a lawsuit by a gaggle of gun manufacturers, distributors and retailers challenging the constitutionality of a New York law that enables the state and folks affected by gun violence to sue the industry.

U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino in Albany rejected a request by the Nationwide Taking pictures Sports Foundation and gun producers, including Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger & Co, to enjoin enforcement of the statute.

The ruling came a day after a gunman killed 19 youngsters and two adults at a Texas elementary school, the newest in a spate of mass shootings, prompting renewed calls by Democrats for tougher gun laws.

The Nationwide Shooting Sports activities Basis, a trade group for the firearms trade, didn't immediately reply to a request for remark.

Democratic former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo final July signed into regulation a measure that seeks to overcome authorized hurdles that have largely shielded the industry from lawsuits associated to gun violence.

The legislation allows firearm sellers, manufacturers and distributors to be sued by the state, cities or people for creating a "public nuisance" that endangers the general public's security and health.

The gun trade group argued the legislation wrongly imposes liability on firms working anywhere in the nation that make, promote or market weapons or ammunition which can be misused by criminals in New York.