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

Weapons confiscated at New York City public colleges are displayed at a news conference with Mayor Eric Adams at police headquarters to talk about guns in public faculties in New York City on Could 25, 2022 in New York City.

Spencer Platt | Getty Photos

A federal decide on Wednesday threw out a lawsuit by a gaggle of gun manufacturers, distributors and retailers difficult the constitutionality of a New York legislation that allows the state and people affected by gun violence to sue the industry.

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

The ruling got here a day after a gunman killed 19 children and two adults at a Texas elementary faculty, the most recent in a spate of mass shootings, prompting renewed calls by Democrats for tougher gun regulations.

The National Shooting Sports Basis, a trade group for the firearms trade, didn't instantly reply to a request for remark.

Democratic former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo last July signed into legislation a measure that seeks to overcome legal hurdles which have largely shielded the trade from lawsuits related to gun violence.

The law permits firearm sellers, producers and distributors to be sued by the state, cities or individuals for creating a "public nuisance" that endangers the public's safety and health.

The gun trade group argued the regulation wrongly imposes legal responsibility on firms working wherever in the nation that make, sell or market weapons or ammunition which might be misused by criminals in New York.