UVALDE, Texas – Families of the victims tragically killed in the 2022 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, have filed civil death lawsuits against Meta Platforms, the owner of Instagram, the publishers of the popular video game “Call of Duty,” and Daniel Defense, the manufacturers of AR-15 assault rifles. The lawsuits, brought forth on the second anniversary of the massacre, allege that these entities form an “unholy trinity” that contributes to the radicalization of alienated teenage boys towards becoming mass shooters like 18-year-old Salvador Ramos. Ramos entered Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, and carried out the devastating attack, taking the lives of two teachers and 19 students before being fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
The complaints, filed both in California and Texas, reveal that Ramos downloaded the video game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” in November 2021, prior to purchasing a DDM4 V7 firearm featured in the game about a week before the school shooting. The lawsuit asserts that the game serves as a “teaser” for players interested in trying out the weapon. Just after midnight on his 18th birthday, Ramos acquired the firearm, leading to the tragic events at Robb Elementary School merely eight days later. At the same time, Ramos was reportedly targeted through aggressive marketing on Instagram, which showcased images glorifying combat and promoting the use of Daniel Defense’s weapons.
The legal actions were initiated shortly after the families of the victims negotiated a $2 million settlement with the city. The lawsuits shine a light on the potential role of social media, video games, and firearm manufacturers in influencing individuals like Ramos towards committing heinous acts of violence. The families seek justice and accountability, holding these entities responsible for their alleged contributions to the tragic events that unfolded in Uvalde.