LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky gun shop is facing a lawsuit from survivors and families of victims after selling an AR-15 to a man who used it to kill five co-workers. The civil suit alleges River City Firearms should have been more suspicious of the sale and noticed red flags when the gunman purchased the weapon just days before the shooting.
The lawsuit claims that the federally licensed dealer had a legal duty to withhold the sale from a buyer who could reasonably be considered a danger to others. It also argues that the owners of the store should have been aware of the potential for AR-15 style weapons to be used for mass destruction.
The gunman, Connor Sturgeon, struggled with mental illness and made disturbing entries in his journal prior to the shooting. Despite showing little knowledge of firearms and appearing embarrassed during the purchase, Sturgeon was able to buy the weapon along with ammunition without any apparent red flags being raised by the gun shop.
Sturgeon entered the Old National Bank and opened fire on his co-workers, killing five people and injuring several others. Despite firing more than 40 rounds during the attack, Sturgeon did not appear to have a firm understanding of how to use the weapon.
The lawsuit was filed by lawyers from a Chicago law firm, along with a Louisville attorney and a Washington-based firm that seeks to advance gun safety laws in the courts. The families of two deceased victims and three shooting survivors are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, seeking justice and accountability for the tragic event.
The incident has sparked further discussions about the regulations and responsibilities of firearms dealers in preventing potential violence. As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of firearms regulations.