While Mexico argued that it was statistically likely that some firearms sold in Massachusetts would end up being illegally trafficked to Mexico, Saylor said the country lacked sufficient evidence to prove a jurisdictional nexus.
Other companies against which the company dismissed claims were Barrett Firearms Manufacturing; Colt’s Manufacturing Company; Century International Arms; and Beretta USA. Representatives of the gun industry and Mexico did not respond to requests for comment.
The Mexican government announced that it has taken note of the decision of the Boston federal judge on Wednesday regarding the lawsuit.
”As this is a broad litigation strategy, the next steps to follow will be analyzed. It is important to note that Mexico’s lawsuit in Boston continues against two companies: Smith and Wesson and Interstate Arms,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) said.
“This decision does not affect the lawsuit against these two companies nor does it absolve the other six companies from liability. The lawsuits against these six companies continue,” he added.
Among other actions, Mexico is considering whether to file an appeal or file a lawsuit in other U.S. courts.
On August 4, 2021, the Mexican government filed a lawsuit in a US Federal Court in Boston, Massachusetts, against arms producers and distributors, accusing them of negligent and illicit trade in weapons that are trafficked to Mexico and end up in criminal groups.
A few days later, on August 20, the Federal Court in Massachusetts accepted the lawsuit against the 11 companies. Through his social networks, the then foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard described the acceptance as a great step. This formally initiated the legal process.
American arms manufacturers and distributors later asked that the suit be thrown out on the grounds, among other things, that it was without merit.
(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, editing by Leslie Adler)
