U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to New York gun lawsuit law

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to review a lawsuit filed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and major firearm manufacturers—including Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Beretta, Glock, Sig Sauer and Sturm—against New York’s 2021 law that permits civil actions against gun makers and sellers for harms caused by criminal misuse of their products. The challengers argued the state statute conflicted with the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005, which shields the industry from most such suits. The Court provided no explanation for its refusal to take the case.

New York officials praised the outcome. Governor Kathy Hochul said the decision showed that “even the Supreme Court saw the gun lobby had no merit.” Attorney‑General Letitia James and state Senator Zellnor Myrie, who authored the law, reaffirmed its role in public‑safety protection. The industry’s spokesperson Mark Oliva said, “NSSF sincerely believes that those criminals who illegally misuse lawful products should be held responsible for the harms they cause,” adding that holding gun makers accountable is “akin to holding Ford Motor Company responsible for damages from drunk‑driving crimes.”