Families in Uvalde, Texas are taking legal action against Meta Platforms, the owner of Instagram, and the creator of the video game “Call of Duty” following a tragic shooting incident at a local elementary school. The lawsuit, filed on the two-year anniversary of the shooting, also includes Daniel Defense, the manufacturer of the AR-15 assault rifle used in the attack.
According to the families’ attorney, there is a direct connection between the actions of these companies and the Uvalde shooting. The lawsuit alleges that these companies exposed the shooter to the weapon, normalized its use to solve problems, and trained him on how to use it. The damages sought in the lawsuit were not specified.
The shooter had reportedly been playing various versions of “Call of Duty” since the age of 15, including one that provided practice with the same type of rifle used in the school shooting. The families also criticized Instagram for not effectively enforcing rules prohibiting the marketing of firearms and harmful content to minors.
In response to the allegations, a video game industry group refuted the notion that games are responsible for violent behavior, citing research that has found no causal link between video games and acts of violence. The Entertainment Software Association expressed condolences to the impacted families and emphasized the need to address underlying issues to prevent future tragedies.
During a 2022 congressional hearing, the CEO of Daniel Defense condemned the Uvalde shooting and similar incidents as acts of pure evil. Subsequently, families affected by the shooting filed a separate $500 million lawsuit against Texas Department of Public Safety officers and the local school district for their handling of the situation.
Criticism has been directed at local law enforcement for delays in confronting the shooter, which some believe may have saved lives. The families of the victims highlighted the lack of accountability for the officers involved in the flawed response. Over 370 officers responded to the scene, but it took more than 70 minutes before action was taken to neutralize the threat.
The ongoing legal actions underscore the complex issues surrounding the Uvalde shooting and the need for accountability and improved response protocols in similar situations. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, questions remain about how to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of all individuals in educational settings.