Republican Attorneys General Support Gun Manufacturers in New York Lawsuits

Twenty Republican state attorneys general are rallying to support gun manufacturers in legal disputes in New York. This includes a lawsuit that directly targets Attorney General Letitia James, challenging her efforts to increase liability for these manufacturers.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led the charge by filing amicus briefs on Monday for states involved in lawsuits initiated by the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, as well as against James’ office. These cases focus on New York’s attempts to hold gun manufacturers and sellers accountable for gun violence through the state’s public nuisance law. The AGs claim the situation has broader implications, asserting that New York has violated federal laws designed to protect the firearms industry.

Knudsen expressed his concern to FOX News Digital, stating, “These cases go far beyond New York. This isn’t simply a New York issue. It affects all of us.” He accused blue states and liberal gun control advocates of trying to “bypass” federal law and “attack gun companies to drive them out of business.”

Separately, a referral for criminal action was made by the Trump administration targeting Letitia James.

The core of the dispute is rooted in the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which exempts gun manufacturers and dealers from liability when their products are used illegally. Republican attorneys general argue that New York is attempting to sidestep this act by implementing “vague nuisance laws specifically targeting the firearms industry.”

Knudsen strongly criticized James, who is named in one of the lawsuits, stating she disregards the PLCAA in favor of an activist agenda. “She should know better,” he remarked. “We ought to be following legal precedent, but it seems she is more interested in activism than accountability.” He also called out her handling of the state’s challenges related to gun regulations, implying that her policies contribute to the problem.

In a related brief submitted to the Supreme Court regarding the National Shooting Sports Foundation v. James case, James warned that New York’s law could encourage other states to bypass the PLCAA, leading to new liabilities for gun manufacturers.

Previously, James defended New York City’s 2021 law as a measure for public safety and viewed a lower court’s ruling as an affirmation of the “rule of law.”

Knudsen highlighted the potential risks for Second Amendment supporters, stating, “Without gun manufacturers, there would be no Second Amendment in this country. This is an effort to dismantle the firearm manufacturing industry piece by piece.”

Meanwhile, another court brief opposing the lawsuits from Buffalo and Rochester claimed that gun manufacturers haven’t done enough to prevent gun-related crimes, suggesting that the cities deserve personal damages as a result. The attorney general countered, arguing the firearms industry is already under strict regulation and shouldn’t be held accountable for actions taken with legally sold guns.

Continuing Debate Around College Shootings

Knudsen also issued a warning that New York’s laws could extend their implications nationwide, possibly allowing the state to enforce liability on firearm manufacturers based outside its borders. He raised concerns about the consequences for interstate commerce under these conditions.

The situation with the interpretations of the PLCAA is divided in lower courts, leaving room for the Supreme Court to potentially assess New York’s stance. Knudsen is hopeful that the justices will address these matters, especially following their decision in a preceding case, Smith & Wesson Brands v. Mexico, which upheld protections for gun manufacturers.

This decision was particularly pertinent as it rebuffed Mexico’s claims that gun companies could be liable for illegal trafficking resulting in violence. However, it didn’t resolve questions regarding state laws that challenge the PLCAA, such as New York’s legislation.

Twenty-four states, including Montana and others, joined the Supreme Court’s brief to support James, and twenty-three signed on to the brief in district court against the cities’ lawsuits.

These actions are part of a concerted effort by Knudsen, who has previously opposed Hawaii’s carry restrictions and California’s magazine ban.

FOX News Digital has made attempts to reach Letitia James’ office and the attorneys involved in the Buffalo and Rochester cases for further commentary.