Families of Uvalde shooting victims sue FedEx, UPS

(NewsNation) — Families of Uvalde victims are suing UPS and FedEx, alleging the companies violated the law by shipping the guns and stock used in the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School that killed 19 students and two teachers.

The families point to two issues in the lawsuit: One is that the shipments were made before the shooter was 18, and the other is that the shipments ultimately reached his home, which is less than 1 000 feet from a school zone. The lawsuit points out that both actions violate federal law, which the families say UPS and FedEx should have verified.

According to the litigation, FedEx shipped the AR-15 used in the shooting to a nearby store for pickup, apparently without obtaining an affidavit from the shooter confirming he was of age. Additionally, according to the lawsuit, FedEx failed to wait the federally required seven days after receipt to ship the firearm.

In a statement to NewsNation, FedEx said its thoughts continue to be with the Uvalde community.

“FedEx is committed to the lawful, safe and secure movement of regulated items through our network, and we comply with applicable laws and regulations,” the statement said. “While we are aware of this matter, we have not yet received notification, which would allow us to fully review it.”

UPS said the lawsuit had “no merit.”

“Our hearts go out to the Uvalde victims and their families,” UPS said. “The shipping of firearms and components is highly regulated; UPS complies with and requires its customers to comply with all applicable federal laws.

Fallout from the shooting

The families are also suing other companies they say played a role in influencing the shooter, including the gun maker; Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram; and the creator of the video game Call of Duty. Additionally, some families have also filed a $500 million lawsuit against Texas State Police officials and officers who were part of the law enforcement response on the day of the shooting . Local NewsNation affiliate KXAN reports that families are seeking accountability for failures of communication, leadership and urgency that they say cost the lives of some of their children.

A Justice Department study released earlier this year found there was a 77-minute gap between when officers arrived on scene and when they confronted and ultimately killed the subject. Local police ignored accepted practices by not confronting the shooter, the review said.

“The victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School deserved better,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “The law enforcement response to Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022 – and the response from authorities in the hours and days that followed – was a failure. Due to failed leadership, training and policies, 33 students and three of their teachers – many of whom had been shot – were trapped in a room with an active shooter for more than an hour while forces of order remained outside.

Last month, the city of Uvalde agreed to a $2 million settlement. Josh Koskoff, an attorney for the families, said the settlement involves the families of 17 of the children killed and two children who survived.