Judge Dismisses Major Portion of Mexico's $10 Billion Lawsuit Against U.S. Gun Makers

A U.S. judge has dismissed most of Mexico's $10 billion lawsuit accusing U.S. gun manufacturers of enabling firearm trafficking to violent drug cartels. The decision impacts six out of eight companies sued, including Glock and Sturm, Ruger, based on jurisdictional concerns. Mexico lacked sufficient evidence to prove any state-specific harm.

A U.S. judge on Wednesday dismissed the majority of Mexico's $10 billion lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers, alleging they facilitated the trafficking of firearms to violent drug cartels across the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor in Boston ruled out claims against six of the eight companies, including Sturm, Ruger and Glock, due to jurisdictional issues.

Judge Saylor described the companies' connection to Massachusetts as 'gossamer-thin at best.' He emphasized that none of the six companies were incorporated in Massachusetts, and Mexico had not demonstrated that firearms sold specifically in the state were linked to any harm. Although Mexico argued it was probable some firearms sold in Massachusetts were trafficked to Mexico, Saylor noted there was insufficient evidence to establish a direct jurisdictional nexus.

Among other companies dismissed were Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Colt's Manufacturing Company, Century International Arms, and Beretta USA. Neither representatives for the gun industry nor Mexico responded to requests for comments.

(With inputs from agencies.)