Gun Accessory Maker to Pay $1.75M to Buffalo Shooting Victims

Mean Arms to stop selling controversial magazine lock in New York after lawsuit settlement.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The maker of a gun accessory tied to the 2022 racist shooting at a Buffalo supermarket that killed 10 Black people has agreed to pay $1.75 million to survivors and victims' families. Georgia-based Mean Arms will also stop selling the device in New York under the settlement with state Attorney General Letitia James.

Why it matters

The settlement holds the gun accessory manufacturer accountable for its role in enabling the deadly attack and aims to provide some measure of comfort to the Buffalo community that was devastated by the tragedy.

The details

The claims against Mean Arms focused on a magazine lock that was supposed to prevent high-capacity magazines from being used, but which the shooter was able to easily remove. The company also provided instructions on how to remove the lock. As part of the settlement, Mean Arms will stop selling the device in New York.

  • The 2022 attack at Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo occurred on May 14, 2022.
  • The settlement between the state and Mean Arms was announced on February 12, 2026.

The players

Letitia James

The New York State Attorney General who filed the lawsuit against Mean Arms and announced the settlement.

Payton Gendron

The white gunman who carried out the racist attack at the Buffalo supermarket, killing 10 Black people.

Mean Arms

The Georgia-based gun accessory company that manufactured the magazine lock device used by the shooter.

Vintage Firearms LLC

The gun seller that also reached a settlement with victims' families and survivors.

Pamela Pritchett

The relative of victim Pearl Young, a 77-year-old Sunday school teacher who was killed in the attack.

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What they’re saying

“We hope that by holding this manufacturer accountable and banning it from selling this device in New York state, we can offer the people of Buffalo some measure of comfort.”

— Letitia James, New York State Attorney General (nbcnews.com)

“No one should be able to come into a store and, in two minutes, inflict so much damage to a community, to a family, to children.”

— Pamela Pritchett, Relative of victim Pearl Young (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The judge will review and approve the settlement between the state and Mean Arms, which will permanently ban the company from selling the controversial magazine lock device in New York.

The takeaway

This settlement represents an important step in holding accountable the manufacturers and sellers of gun accessories that enabled the deadly racist attack in Buffalo. It demonstrates the legal system's ability to take action against companies that contribute to gun violence and provide some measure of justice for the victims and their families.