Mexico's suit against Arizona gun shops is heading to court this week

Published: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - 3:59pm

The Mexican government is heading to court in Tucson on Thursday to argue a case it filed against several Arizona gun stores.  

The civil suit was filed October of 2022 against five Arizona gun shops the Mexican government says has routinely supplied guns to criminal groups in Mexico — including three in Tucson, one in Phoenix and one in Yuma.

The country’s lawyers argue the shops are breaking Mexican and U.S. laws by actively participating in gun trafficking, and that they intentionally and recklessly market guns they know will be used for criminal purposes.

This week’s hearing will focus on a motion filed by the gun stores asking the court to dismiss the case. This is one of two gun violence-related cases Mexico has filed against various components of the arms market.

Last month, an appeals court ruled its case against major U.S. gun makers was allowed to move forward.

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