A federal lawsuit has been filed in the Western District of Texas against multiple entities associated with the school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas earlier this year.
Attorneys for the four plaintiffs cite significant failures of the school district and law enforcement agencies, as well as negligence, recklessness, and nuisance allegations against other defendants as the basis for the complaint.
Defendants named in the suit include: The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, then-Chief of Police of the school district Pedro “Pete” Arredondo, acting Chief of Uvalde Police Dept. Mariano Pargas, and Robb Elementary School Principal Mandy Gutierrez.
“The horrors at Robb Elementary School were only possible because so many in positions of power were negligent, careless, and reckless,” says Stephanie B. Sherman, one of three attorneys representing plaintiffs in the case.
Lawyers representing the victims filed the sweeping legal action on Sept. 28, and also attributed blame for the attack on companies that had no direct involvement in carrying out the shooting.
Other entities listed as defendants are:
- Daniel Defense, LLC: the company that manufactured the firearm that was used in the attack
- Firequest International, Inc.: the company which makes accessory trigger systems
- Oasis Outback, LLC: the company that sold the firearm used in the attack to the shooter
- Motorola Solutions, Inc.: the company that manufactured radio communication devices used by some first responders
- Schneider Electric UCA, Inc.: the company that manufactured and installed the door locking mechanisms at Robb Elementary
“It is beyond shameful that Daniel Defense deliberately markets military grade weapons to untrained civilians and young adult males, a demographic responsible for the most mass shootings,” Sherman said. “This is a company that chooses to stay ignorant of the harm they cause communities like Uvalde so they can continue to recklessly market their products and make millions in profits. Our clients and the Uvalde community demand accountability for their complete disregard of human life.”
The lawsuit alleges violations of due process, negligence and emotional distress. It also claims the companies associated with the firearm industry contributed because of their marketing practices.
“These kids just came back to school, and we are already hearing that many of them are scared for their lives,” says attorney Monique Alarcon. “It’s clear that this unspeakable trauma will be with them for a long time, perhaps for the rest of their lives. This case is about ensuring that they have access to the care and resources they need.”
Plaintiffs in the case are seeking unspecified punitive damages.
