Yuma, Arizona (AZ Family) — The Mexican government is blaming U.S. gun stores for the country's gun violence epidemic.
They are currently suing five gun stores in Arizona, alleging negligence in selling weapons and ammunition.
In an example of this kind, a U.S. federal judge ruled that the Mexican government can proceed with a lawsuit against a U.S. gun dealer.
Diamondback Shooting Sports, SNG Tactical, The Hub Gun Store, Ammo AZ and Sprague's Sports are all named in the lawsuit, according to the complaint.
The complaint alleges that the gun store ignored several red flags and allowed straw sales and bulk and repeat purchases of firearms that ended up in Mexico.
Jonathan Lowy is the president of Global Action on Gun Violence and one of its co-advisors representing the Mexican government.
He said about 70% of guns recovered at crime scenes in Mexico come from the United States.
“If you're a gun dealer, you have reason to know that your guns are being pursued by criminals,” Lowy said.
The Mexican government estimates that the targeted stores are responsible for illegally smuggling hundreds of weapons into Mexico each year, part of a larger problem.
More than 500,000 American-made guns leave the country south of the border each year, according to a recent bill introduced in Congress.
“Mexico wants to stop the flow of crime guns into its country,” Lowy said.
In court proceedings, the defendants accuse third parties of their own actions.
Michael Brick owns Yuma Coin and Gun Shop, which has been in business for more than 40 years. His store is not participating in the lawsuit, but he plans to defend his competitors.
“Well, in terms of responsibility, that's a big word. Let's put it this way, yes, we sold the guns that went to Mexico, but are we going to try to stop this? Yes, we are. Do background checks on these people? Yes, we do,” he said.
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