US Supreme Court Rejects Appeal Against New York Gun Industry Lawsuit Law

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and several gun manufacturers challenging New York's public‑nuisance statute that allows lawsuits against gun makers, wholesalers and dealers. The law requires the industry to implement safeguards against trafficking, theft and straw‑purchaser sales and permits civil actions by state officials and the public.

New York Attorney General Letitia James defended the statute, and Governor Kathy Hochul called the decision a "massive victory" for efforts to curb gun violence. The trade group argued the law conflicts with the 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which shields the industry from liability, but the lower‑court ruling was upheld by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Support for the appeal came from the National Rifle Association, 24 Republican state attorneys general and several Republican members of Congress, while the Supreme Court's recent docket has expanded gun‑rights jurisprudence.