AUSTIN, Texas – Families of the victims of the tragic Uvalde school shooting have taken legal action against Instagram’s parent company, Meta Platforms, the creators of the popular video game “Call of Duty,” and the gun manufacturer responsible for producing the assault rifle used in the devastating attack. These lawsuits, announced on the second anniversary of the shooting that took place at Robb Elementary School, aim to hold the companies accountable for creating content that allegedly glorified violence and ultimately led to the mass shooting, resulting in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers.
The families’ attorney, Josh Koskoff, stated that there is a direct connection between the actions of these companies and the Uvalde shooting. The lawsuits specifically accuse Meta, Activision, and Daniel Defense of promoting and producing content that desensitized the teenage shooter to violence, effectively training him to carry out the horrific attack. The families seek justice for their loved ones lost in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.
In addition to the lawsuits against the technology and gaming companies, the families also filed a lawsuit against Texas state police officials and officers for their delayed response to the shooting. Despite over 370 federal, state, and local officers on the scene, there was a significant delay in confronting the shooter as students and teachers were being killed or injured.
These new lawsuits shed light on the growing trend of holding technology companies accountable for influencing and radicalizing individuals who commit mass shootings. The families’ legal action against Daniel Defense, based in Georgia, and Meta and Activision was aimed at addressing the role these companies played in contributing to the tragic events in Uvalde.
As the lawsuits progress, it remains unclear what amount of damages the families are seeking. The legal documents outline how the Uvalde shooter had been exposed to violent content through the video game “Call of Duty” since he was 15, allowing him to practice with a virtual version of the weapon he used during the school shooting.
The families claim that both Instagram and Daniel Defense failed to enforce rules prohibiting the promotion of firearms and harmful content to minors, ultimately contributing to the shooter’s actions. The lawsuit emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on the marketing of weapons and violent content on social media platforms.
Despite the legal actions taken and ongoing investigations, Meta, Activision, and Daniel Defense have yet to provide a public response to the lawsuits. The community in Uvalde continues to mourn the lives lost in the tragedy, coming together for vigils and events to honor the memory of the victims.
As the legal battles unfold and the community seeks healing, the families of the victims remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and accountability for the senseless loss of life. The impact of the Uvalde school shooting serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the role that technology and media can play in shaping individuals’ perceptions and actions.