SerpApi.Org
HARTFORD - The families of six people killed in a mass shooting in Colorado five years ago are proposing to settle their Connecticut lawsuit against gun manufacturer Ruger for $90 million, court records show.
The plaintiffs sued the formerly Fairfield-based company more than three years ago, arguing the manufacturer was liable in the March 22, 2021, shooting at a King Soopers grocery store that left 10 dead.
The lawsuit claims Ruger designed the pistol used in the deadly shooting to function like a rifle and evade federal regulations. It also alleges the company's marketing efforts "promoted lone gunman assaults."
"Ruger's marketing glorified the military design, functionality and appearance of its AR 556s," lawyers wrote in the complaint, referring to the weapon. "Ruger's marketing promoted its AR-556s for mass casualty assaults."
Lawyers representing Ruger in the ongoing lawsuit did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday.
Law enforcement officials have previously said the assailant, then-21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, legally purchased the pistol six days earlier after passing a background check. He was later convicted of 10 counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
The legal action was initially brought by Nathaniel Getz, the son of victim Suzanne Fountain. He was later joined by the families of five other victims, according to court records and statements from lawyers.
The lawsuits were filed after the families of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting agreed to settle a lawsuit against the bankrupt Connecticut gun manufacturer Remington for $73 million.
In an effort to hold Remington liable for its marketing practices, the lawsuit cited the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, which applies broadly to products and services sold in the state for the purpose of consumer protection.
The lawsuit against Ruger points to the same state law. The company has sought to have the case dismissed by arguing the proceedings should take place in Colorado, but a judge has so far declined to dismiss the allegations.
"It will become apparent that Colorado law - not Connecticut law - will apply in this case," Halloran & Sage attorneys wrote in a court document. "The only connection this case has to Connecticut is that Ruger has an office here."
Ruger relocated its headquarters location from its longtime offices in Fairfield to its facility in North Carolina at the start of the year. The company, however, has said that it plans to maintain its offices in Connecticut.
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