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

New York Attorney General Leticia James announces settlement with Mean Arms over its role in the 2022 supermarket attack.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Gun accessory manufacturer Mean Arms, also known as Mean LLC., has agreed to pay $1.75 million to the families of the victims, survivors and those injured in the 2022 racist mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket. The company was accused of providing instructions for making the shooter's rifle compatible with high-capacity magazines, violating New York's SAFE Act. As part of the settlement, Mean Arms must stop doing business in New York State.

Why it matters

This settlement holds Mean Arms accountable for its role in enabling the deadly attack and highlights the need for stronger regulations around gun accessories that can be used to circumvent assault weapon bans. It also renews calls for reforms to Section 230 to address the spread of extremism and violence on online platforms.

The details

In 2023, New York Attorney General Leticia James took legal action against Mean Arms, the Georgia-based gun accessory manufacturer. The lawsuit targeted the company's role in helping the shooter, Payton Gendron, possess an illegal assault weapon by providing instructions on how to remove magazine locks and attach high-capacity magazines, which are banned under New York's SAFE Act.

  • On May 14, 2022, a racist mass shooting occurred at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York.
  • In 2023, New York Attorney General Leticia James filed a lawsuit against Mean Arms over its role in the attack.
  • On February 12, 2026, Attorney General James announced a $1.75 million settlement with Mean Arms.

The players

Mean Arms

Also known as Mean LLC., a gun accessory manufacturer based in Georgia that was accused of providing instructions for making the shooter's rifle compatible with high-capacity magazines, violating New York's SAFE Act.

Leticia James

The New York Attorney General who took legal action against Mean Arms and announced the $1.75 million settlement with the company.

Payton Gendron

The shooter who carried out the racist mass shooting at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York on May 14, 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Today, we are holding Mean Arms responsible for its role in that devastating day.”

— Leticia James, New York Attorney General (wgntv.com)

“No amount of money can bring back those we lost.”

— Leticia James, New York Attorney General (wgntv.com)

“Remember that the families are still going through this. We are still dealing with 5/14 as if it were yesterday.”

— Zeneta Everhart, Buffalo City Councilwoman (wgntv.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Payton Gendron, the shooter, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This settlement highlights the need for stronger regulations around gun accessories that can be used to circumvent assault weapon bans, as well as the role that online platforms play in promoting violence and extremism. It serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of holding all responsible parties accountable.