Chicago July 4 parade shooting survivors sue Smith & Wesson

Suburban shooting survivors Chicago The 4th of July parade and the families of those killed Wednesday filed 11 lawsuits against the manufacturer of the rifle used in the attack, accusing Smith & Wesson of young men at risk of committing gang violence. It was accused of illegally directing the advertisement.

A sweeping effort by dozens of Highland Park shooting victims, anti-gun violence advocates, and private lawyers has held gun manufacturers accountable for the mass murder despite extensive protections under federal law. It is the latest attempt to

The strategy mirrors the approach used by the relatives of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, who in February paid $73 million to the company that manufactured the rifle used in the attack. reached a settlement. This is believed to be the largest payment ever related to genocide by a firearms manufacturer, with Remington helping Connecticut by selling AR-15-style weapons to youth already at risk of violence. It was subject to accusations by the family of violating consumer protection laws. .

“The shooter didn’t act on his own,” said Ara Lefkowitz, senior director of positive litigation for gun safety group Everytown. “What happened at Highland Park on July 4th was the result of a deliberate choice by certain members of the industry.”

Liz Turnipseed is one of the survivors who claims a gun manufacturer, an accused shooter, his father, and two gun sellers bear some responsibility for the attack.

In an interview with The Associated Press this week, Kabseed said she expects to need weeks of intensive wound care, needs a cane for some time, and is being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. was also forced to delay the embryo transfer.

But Highland Park residents are determined to speak for those who did not survive the shootings in the United States, particularly the 19 children and two teachers who were killed at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, in May. Did.

“I had the unique opportunity to give people a real look at what these guns do and… give them a first-person perspective,” said Tanipseed. because there are not so many of them, because they are so deadly.”

A representative for Smith & Wesson, based in Springfield, Massachusetts, did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The families of three of the seven people killed in Highland Park – Stefan Strauss, Jackie Sandheim and Nicolas Toledo – are filing lawsuits. The family of the fourth victim, Eduardo Ubaldo, is holding back Sandy’s lawyer in charge of his Hook case.

“There is no end to the pain, loss and grief we have to endure,” said John Strauss, one of Strauss’ two sons, at an event unveiling the suit. It may be yours next time.”

Prosecutors said Robert E. Crimo III admitted to the killing at the parade. Authorities identified a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle as the weapon he used.

Ari Scharg, an attorney representing Turnipseed at Chicago-based firm Edelson PC, said the victim’s attorneys are determined to take the case before a jury.

“It’s certainly a long road and an uphill battle,” said Shargue. “But I think this is the most important case in the country that is currently litigating…and we will see it through to the end.”

The victim also sued the accused gunman for assault and assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, blaming his father, Robert Crimo Jr., specifically for his son’s 2019 application for a state firearms license. I am suing for sponsorship within a few months from 19 years. An old man who tries to commit suicide and threatens his family.

Two gun sellers have been accused of violating assault weapons bans in Highland Park and the suspect’s hometown of Highwood.

Crimo III faces 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder, and 48 counts of aggravated battery.

Lake County prosecutors have not filed criminal charges against the father and have repeatedly refused to discuss the possibility.

An attorney for Climo Jr. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Climo III will be represented by Lake County Public Defender, but will not comment on the ongoing case.