Families of Uvalde shooting victims sue Call of Duty and Meta developer

Families of victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, are filing lawsuits against Call of Duty developer Activision Blizzard, as well as Meta Platforms and weapons maker Daniel Defense.

A total of 19 children and two teachers were killed in the horrific school shooting on May 24, 2022.

Two lawsuits were filed in Texas and California on the second anniversary of this horrific event. They claim the companies helped promote dangerous weapons to “socially vulnerable” young men.

Call of Duty is specifically called out because the plaintiffs allege that the first-person shooter franchise “creates a highly realistic and addictive theater of violence in which teenagers learn to kill with frightening skill and ease.”

The lawsuit goes on to explain how the AR-15 assault rifle that can be used in the game has become “the weapon of choice for most Call of Duty players – and mass shooters.”

Facebook's parent company, Meta, was also included in the filing, and lawyers questioned its gun advertising.

“With Instagram's blessing and help, assault weapons purveyors can inundate teens with content that encourages crime, exalts the lone shooter, exploits tropes of hypermasculinity and revenge, and tells them where to buy the weapon of their choice, tested by Call of Duty.”

The school shooter allegedly purchased a gun from weapons manufacturer Daniel Defense, which was later used in the mass attack on May 24, 2022. The team behind the lawsuit alleges that Daniel Defense “engages in the illegal and illicit marketing of firearms.” to minors and illegal offers to sell firearms to minors.

The families are working with attorney Josh Koskoff, who has previously worked with the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims.

Response to ongoing trial of Uvalde shooting victims

A series of media publications have contacted Meta, Daniel Defense and Activision Blizzard for comment.

In a statement provided to CBS News, an Activision Blizzard spokesperson said: “The Uvalde shooting was horrific and heartbreaking in every way, and we express our deepest condolences to the families and communities left behind. affected by this senseless act of violence. Millions of people around the world enjoy video games without engaging in horrible acts.

Featured Image: Activision Blizzard