Going for the guns: Brady Center targets Bushmaster gunmaker

Union Leader ^ | 6/19/03

[kattracks]

A RIFLE is legally manufactured and shipped to a federally licensed gun dealer. A criminal allegedly steals the rifle from the dealer. That gun is later used by an apparently vicious and cold-blooded killer to murder several innocent people. So, naturally, the gun’s manufacturer is to blame for the killings.

That’s the loopy logic of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which has instigated a lawsuit against Bushmaster, the Maine-based manufacturer of the rifle used in the Washington, D.C. sniper shootings.

According to the lawsuit, “the gross negligence of the gun industry defendants caused the injuries and deaths that resulted from the sniper shootings.”

Bushmaster countered in a press release, “We sold the rifle legally to a firearms dealer licensed by the federal government, from whom it was allegedly stolen. Very disturbed people acquired it illegally, then used it in a heinous crime.”

The Brady Center has gone after the sniper’s victims and their families in hopes that they will join the group’s lawsuit against Bushmaster. Seven have joined. Bushmaster says the victims are being used by the center to promote its anti-gun agenda.

It is doubtful that the sniper victims would have sued Bushmaster without the interference of gun control activists and lawyers seeking to get what they can from gun makers, who are easy targets these days. As one victim told The Washington Post, “I don’t have anybody’s phone number, and nobody has mine. All we got is the lawyers together, that’s about it.”

Looks like another frivolous lawsuit designed to win a political victory in the courts (not to mention a lot of money) by capitalizing on a national tragedy.

[glock rocks]

bang.

[MonroeDNA]

This sucks.

[Delmarksman]

Following the "Loopy Logic", then Auto makers are liable for DUI accidents where people die.

"Looks like another frivolous lawsuit designed to win a political victory in the courts (not to mention a lot of money) by capitalizing on a national tragedy."

And not do a d*** thing to stop Criminal Activity.

Del

[Bodacious]

"Loopy Logic" also says that every cattle rancher and or sugar farmer is responsible for any heart attack caused by obesity............

[zx2dragon]

FYI

[BushIsALiberal]

Has HCI thought of suing INS for not deporting before the incidents the one of these snipers who was an illegal alien?

[DH]

Does this reasoning also apply to KNIVES used in a crime?

[joesnuffy]

Sue Islam

[Dead Corpse]

Can we get together and file a class action against the Brady Bunch for inflicting their stupidity on the rest of us?

[stevio]

Grrrrr!!!!

[broadsword]

I thought that a bill was just passed to stop gun manufacturers from getting sued.

[glock rocks]

I guess we bushmaster supporters are going to have to send them some money... all for the cause, ya know.

that 16" heavy barrel v-match carbine is an eye catcher, and the new composites are attractive as well :o)

[Shooter 2.5]

This is such an important issue.

It's so important that when a "Second Amendment Supporter" voted against the Manufacturer's Lawsuit Protection Bill, the NRA is rescinding their support for him.

[Joe Brower]

The fact that no similar lawsuit has been filed against the manufacturer of the car the beltway snipers used is prima facie evidence that this is simply the Brady Bunch's latest ploy to attack legal firearms ownership, all protestations of "desire for justice" nonwithstanding.

[SJSAMPLE]

I've been saving up for Sept '04, but I might not be able to wait. I want a new M4-gery to augment my Tactical Carbine, but Bushmaster needs my help, NOW.

[ought-six]

"I thought that a bill was just passed to stop gun manufacturers from getting sued."

Not quite. The measure granted some immunity, but it did not (indeed, could not) prebent someone from filing a law suit. If the judge does his or her job, and follows the law, then the law suit will be thrown out, and maybe the lawyer hit with some sanctions for filing a frivolous law suit (which almost NEVER happens, though). Moreover, the legislation does not protect manufacturers from product liability, if their product is found to be defective and that defect was a proximate cause of the injury. Without alleging a defect, the Brady Bunch's law suit should be tossed out. But not having seen the complaint, I don't know what all is alleged, so I'm just surmizing at this point.

[wjcsux]

Thanks for the heads up. We all need to close ranks and help Bushmaster.

[templar]

Can we get together and file a class action against the Brady Bunch for inflicting their stupidity on the rest of us?

Actually, yes. You can file a suit for anything. but be prepared to pay the defendants legal bills when it is declared frivolous. OTOH, there is a good possibility that a class action suit could be filed with some success on interference with commerce or interference with rights grounds, but that would require, as you say, getting together. That won't happen.

[Squantos]

BTTT