Uvalde, Texas – The families of the shooting victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas have filed lawsuits against Call of Duty publisher Activision and Meta, alleging that these companies played a role in the tragic events. The families claim that these companies knowingly exposed the shooter to the weapon, conditioned him to see it as a solution to his problems, and trained him to use it. They argue that the companies have contributed to a culture that normalizes violence and mass shootings.
According to the plaintiffs, the Uvalde shooter had been exposed to an assault-style rifle made by gunmaker Daniel Defense while playing Call of Duty and through Instagram advertisements. They argue that these platforms provided the shooter with easy access to information on firearms and created a harmful environment that influenced his actions. The lawsuit also criticizes Meta for its leniency towards firearms sellers on its platform, alleging that the company’s policies contribute to the proliferation of dangerous weapons.
Attorney Josh Koskoff, representing the families, emphasized the role of Instagram in shaping the shooter’s mindset and behavior. He argued that the gun industry and social media platforms like Instagram have a responsibility to prevent the dissemination of harmful content that could influence vulnerable individuals. Koskoff’s law firm has a history of advocating for stricter regulations on firearms manufacturers and social media companies following tragic events like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
In response to the lawsuits, an Activision spokesperson expressed sympathy for the families of the victims but defended the company’s products, stating that millions of people worldwide enjoy video games without resorting to violence. The spokesperson’s statement underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the influence of video games and social media on individuals, particularly young people, and their propensity for aggressive behavior.
These lawsuits highlight the complexities of addressing violence in modern society and the role that media and entertainment companies play in shaping perceptions and behaviors. As legal proceedings continue, the outcomes of these cases could have far-reaching implications for how companies like Activision and Meta are held accountable for their role in influencing individuals, particularly those who may be more susceptible to harmful messaging.