A US appeals court just revived a $10 billion lawsuit bought by Mexico against American gun manufacturers.
The companies in question include brands like Smith and Wesson, Colt and Glock. The Mexican government is accusing these firearm companies of designing, marketing, distributing and selling guns in ways that arm Mexican drug cartels. They say this is contributing to a rise in gun violence in the country.
The lawsuit was first filed in 2021 but was dismissed a year later under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Now, a three-judge panel in Boston has found that Mexico’s complaint is “statutorily exempt” from that law.
Mexico welcomed the decision, as did Biden’s Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salaazar. The gun companies are expected to appeal.