Gun Parts Manufacturer Settles Buffalo Massacre Lawsuits for $1.75 Million
The gun parts manufacturer Mean Arms has reached a $1.75 million settlement related to the 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York. This agreement resolves lawsuits claiming that their product enabled the gunman, Peyton Gendron, to carry out the attack more effectively. The settlement was announced by the New York attorney general’s office and attorneys representing the victims’ families.
Details of the Settlement
This settlement is one of the largest in cases against gun manufacturers and accessory makers following mass shootings. Mean Arms’ device, known as the MA lock, is designed to secure a magazine to a firearm. However, the suit contends that the lock was easily removable, contradicting its intended purpose of preventing quick reloading.
- Settlement Amount: $1.75 million
- Company: Mean Arms, based in Georgia
- Product: MA lock, intended to secure magazines
- Date of Incident: May 14, 2022
- Casualties: 10 killed, 3 injured
Background of the Buffalo Massacre
Peyton Gendron, motivated by a white supremacist ideology, drove approximately 200 miles from Conklin, N.Y., to the East Side of Buffalo. He specifically targeted Tops Friendly Market, having previously visited the location and noting its large Black population.
Details of the Attack
On the day of the shooting, Gendron wore camouflage and body armor, firing more than 60 rounds using 30-round detachable magazines. He livestreamed the horrific attack, which resulted in the deaths of ten individuals and injuries to three others. The use of high-capacity magazines significantly increased the deadly efficiency of the assault.
Legal Outcomes
The New York attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit in early 2023 against Mean Arms. The legal proceedings revealed that the company was aware that its product was easily detachable and even included instructions for removal on the packaging. As part of the settlement, Mean Arms has agreed to cease sales of the MA lock in New York and will remove any misleading claims regarding its legality.
Impact on the Community
The Buffalo massacre left a profound impact on the local community, particularly among residents of predominantly Black neighborhoods. Gendron pleaded guilty to multiple state charges, including murder, in November 2022. In 2024, federal prosecutors are expected to seek the death penalty against him as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
Historical Context
This case is part of a broader trend in the legal landscape surrounding gun manufacturers. For instance, victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy previously settled a lawsuit against Remington for $73 million. Other cities, such as Los Angeles and Philadelphia, have also reached settlements with companies like Polymer80, highlighting ongoing legal challenges in the firearms industry.
