A Kentucky judge has ruled that victims of the 2023 Old National Bank shooting can sue the gun seller, River City Firearms, and the firearm manufacturer for their roles in supplying the shooter, Connor Sturgeon. This decision marks a crucial step for the victims’ families as they seek accountability for what Circuit Court Judge Mitch Perry described as “one of the worst acts of mass violence this community has ever experienced.” The lawsuit argues that the gun seller acted negligently by failing to recognize warning signs in Sturgeon before selling him an AR-15 and various shooting accessories just days before the tragic event.
The court’s ruling allows the case to move forward despite protections that generally shield gun manufacturers and dealers from liability under federal law. The judge determined that claims of general negligence and “negligent entrustment” could be considered, suggesting that the firearm dealer’s actions were foreseeably linked to the deadly shooting. Perry emphasized the danger posed by allowing individuals with evident red flags access to powerful weapons and accessories. This case is particularly significant as it tests the boundaries of gun industry immunity in the aftermath of mass shootings.
Read full story at www.lpm.org
