UVALDE, Texas – Families of the victims tragically killed in the 2022 Uvalde mass shooting have taken legal action. They filed civil death lawsuits against Meta Platforms, Instagram’s owner, the creators of the video game “Call of Duty,” and Daniel Defense, the producers of AR-15 assault rifles. These lawsuits, filed on the second anniversary of the horrific event, claim that these entities are collectively promoting the transformation of alienated teenage boys into mass shooters, referencing the tragic actions of 18-year-old Salvador Ramos.
Ramos entered Robb Elementary School on the afternoon of May 24, 2022, gaining access through an unlocked door. After barricading himself inside a classroom, he proceeded to carry out a devastating attack that resulted in the loss of two teachers and 19 students. The violence came to an end when Ramos was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
The legal complaints, lodged in California and Texas, detail how Ramos engaged with the video game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” and later acquired a DDM4 V7 firearm, similar to one featured in the game. The lawsuit indicates that the companies involved played a role in enticing Ramos by offering a preview of the weapon within the game, sparking his purchase just days before the tragic event at the school.
Furthermore, the lawsuits allege that Ramos was targeted through aggressive marketing on Instagram, where he was exposed to content glorifying combat and the illegal use of weapons. The legal actions against these entities were initiated shortly after the families of the victims reached a $2 million settlement with the city, illustrating the multifaceted response to the devastating impact of the Uvalde mass shooting.
The families’ pursuit of justice underscores the ongoing efforts to hold accountable those deemed responsible for contributing to the tragic events that unfolded at Robb Elementary School. The legal actions serve as a mechanism for seeking answers, accountability, and closure in the wake of a senseless act of violence. As the legal proceedings progress, the families impacted by this tragedy continue to navigate the complexities of healing and seeking justice for their loved ones.
