Idaho AG Joins Coalition Defending Gun Makers Against New York Lawsuits

Lawsuits seek to hold firearms companies liable for crimes committed with legally sold guns.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:40pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting of a handgun in overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes of dark blue, charcoal gray, and deep red, conveying the political tension and high-speed motion of the gun control debate.The legal battle over gun manufacturer liability continues to accelerate, with cities seeking new ways to hold the industry accountable for gun violence.Buffalo Today

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has joined a coalition led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen in defending firearms manufacturers against lawsuits filed by the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, New York. The cities are attempting to hold gun makers like Smith & Wesson, Glock, Ruger, and Taurus financially liable for crimes committed by third parties using legally sold firearms.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battle between gun control advocates and the firearms industry over liability for gun violence. The cities are seeking to circumvent federal laws that protect gun manufacturers from such lawsuits, which critics argue are designed to bankrupt the industry through legal fees.

The details

The consolidated lawsuits filed by Buffalo and Rochester seek to hold gun makers financially responsible for crimes committed with their products, despite federal laws like the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) that shield the industry from such liability. The amicus brief filed by the coalition of state attorneys general argues these claims are barred by PLCAA and violate the Second Amendment.

  • The lawsuits were filed in 2026 by the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, New York.

The players

Raúl Labrador

The Attorney General of Idaho who has joined a coalition defending gun manufacturers against the lawsuits filed by Buffalo and Rochester.

Austin Knudsen

The Attorney General of Montana who is leading the coalition defending the firearms industry against the New York lawsuits.

Smith & Wesson

One of the gun manufacturers being sued by the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, New York.

Glock

One of the gun manufacturers being sued by the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, New York.

Ruger

One of the gun manufacturers being sued by the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, New York.

Taurus

One of the gun manufacturers being sued by the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, New York.

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What they’re saying

“Buffalo and Rochester are trying to bankrupt gun manufacturers by holding them liable for crimes they did not commit, eliminating Americans' ability to buy firearms and exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

— Raúl Labrador, Attorney General of Idaho

What’s next

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York will decide whether to dismiss the lawsuits filed by Buffalo and Rochester based on the arguments made in the amicus brief.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battle over gun manufacturer liability, with cities seeking to hold gun makers accountable for gun violence despite federal laws protecting the industry. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of lawsuits targeting the firearms industry.