D.C. firearms lawsuit dismissed

A Superior Court judge in the District of Columbia has dismissed the District’s lawsuit against various manufacturers, importers and distributors of firearms, including Sturm, Ruger & Co.

The suit sought to hold gun manufacturers liable for guns being brought into the District from states with more relaxed gun laws and for the crimes that were committed by the sale of illegal weapons.

Only law enforcement officers are allowed to carry firearms in the District.

The judge ruled that the District and the federal government have two different policies, and that the lawsuit – filed by the city and victims of gun violence – shouldn’t be allowed to continue because federal law is designed to stop such suits.

The plaintiffs also tried to argue that the federal law is unconstitutional, but the judge rejected that claim.

“This is the latest in a long series of victories for the rule of law, fundamental fairness, and individual responsibility,” said Sturm, Ruger President Stephen L. Sanetti. – JEFF FEINGOLD