Uvalde, Texas – Families of the victims tragically killed in the Uvalde mass shooting in 2022 have taken legal action against Meta Platforms, Instagram’s parent company, the makers of “Call of Duty,” and Daniel Defense, the manufacturers of AR-15 assault rifles. These lawsuits, filed on the second anniversary of the horrific event, allege that these entities played a role in influencing the shooter, Salvador Ramos, to carry out the devastating attack.
Salvador Ramos, an 18-year-old, entered Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, where he proceeded to take the lives of two teachers and 19 students before being fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The lawsuits accuse the defendants of being complicit in turning alienated teenage boys, like Ramos, into mass shooters, claiming they are part of an “unholy trinity.”
According to the legal filings made in California and Texas, Ramos downloaded the video game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” shortly before the shooting and acquired a DDM4 V7 firearm, similar to one featured in the game, just days prior to the tragic events at Robb Elementary School. The suits allege that Ramos’ actions were influenced by aggressive marketing on Instagram and glorification of combat through images and content associated with the game and firearm manufacturer Daniel Defense.
The legal actions against these companies come on the heels of the victims’ families reaching a $2 million settlement with the city. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to seek justice and accountability for the lives lost in the Uvalde mass shooting.
As the lawsuits progress, they shed light on the complex issues surrounding gun violence, the influence of media, and the responsibility of corporations in promoting responsible and ethical practices. The tragic events in Uvalde serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of mass shootings and the importance of addressing the root causes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.