Smith & Wesson Loses Bid to Toss Illinois Mass Shooting Lawsuit

Smith & Wesson must face claims from victims of a mass shooting in the Chicago suburbs, an Illinois judge ruled Tuesday.

Survivors and representatives of those killed at the 2022 Highland Park Independence Day parade sued the gunmaker, alleging they purposely marketed AR-15-style rifles in ways they knew would be especially attractive to potential shooters.

In an order Monday, Lake County Judge Jorge Ortiz said there was basis to conclude that the parade shooter, Robert Crimo III, “both saw and was influenced by Smith & Wesson’s advertisements,” Ortiz said.

“The Court can infer that an avid player of first-person shooter ...