AUSTIN, Texas – Two years after the tragic incident at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, families in the community are taking legal action against Meta Platforms, the owner of Instagram, and the manufacturer of the video game Call of Duty. They believe these companies bear responsibility for the products used by the teenage gunman who carried out the devastating attack. Additionally, another lawsuit has been filed against Daniel Defense, the manufacturer of the AR-style rifle used in the shooting.
This latest legal action adds to a series of lawsuits stemming from the school shooting that rocked the small town of Uvalde, Texas, where 19 students and two teachers lost their lives. The families argue that these companies played a direct role in influencing the gunman’s actions, exposing him to weapons, normalizing violence, and providing him with the means to carry out the attack.
The families are seeking justice against not only the gun manufacturer but also the technology companies that they believe contributed to radicalizing the shooter. Similar lawsuits have been filed in the past against social media companies in relation to other mass shooting incidents, underlining a growing trend of holding tech giants accountable for the content on their platforms.
In response to the lawsuits, the companies involved have expressed condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing that millions of people worldwide enjoy video games without resorting to violence. The video game industry has also defended its products, stating that research has found no direct link between playing video games and committing violent acts.
The families allege that the Uvalde shooter had been exposed to violent content and firearms marketing on Instagram, and had easy access to purchasing the weapon used in the attack. They are holding both Daniel Defense and Meta accountable for their roles in providing the means and encouragement for the shooter to carry out his deadly actions.
Despite these legal actions, neither Daniel Defense nor Meta have responded to requests for comment. The lawsuit represents a broader effort to address not only the immediate consequences of the Uvalde shooting but also the underlying issues surrounding gun violence and accountability in the digital age.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community in Uvalde has come together to remember the lives lost, with memorial events and vigils planned to honor the victims and support those affected by the devastating incident. President Joe Biden has also issued a letter of support to the community as they reflect on the somber anniversary of the school shooting.