Uvalde Families Sue Activision, Meta Over Shooter Influence

Families of the victims of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting have filed lawsuits against Activision, Meta, and the gun manufacturer Daniel Defense, alleging that exposure to violent video games and gun advertisements influenced the shooter, Salvador Ramos. The lawsuits claim that the game "Call of Duty" conditioned Ramos to use the AR-15 rifle he later employed in the attack, while Instagram ads promoted the weapon, making it enticing for young people. These claims include negligence, aiding and abetting, and wrongful death. Activision and Meta have sought dismissal of the cases, citing First Amendment protections and federal laws shielding platforms from liability for user content. The families, including those of victims like Tess Mata, are traveling to Los Angeles for a critical court hearing that could determine whether the lawsuits proceed. The companies dispute the allegations, with Activision emphasizing the game's artistic status and the lack of credible evidence linking video games to real-world violence.