Gun maker Smith & Wesson sued over mass shooting at July 4 parade in Illinois

Smith & Wesson Brands is facing lawsuits from victims of the Highland Park attack that killed seven

Law enforcement officers continue their investigation at the scene of a mass shooting at a July 4 celebration and parade in Highland Park, Illinois. EPA

An aerial photo made with a drone shows US police investigating the scene of the mass shooting. EPA

US police inspect chairs and belongings left behind at the scene. AFP

Belongings lie abandoned along the parade route. Reuters

The gunman, identified as Robert Crimo, opened fire as people gathered to watch the July 4 parade. EPA

A man collects chairs that were abandoned by people fleeing the scene. EPA

Flowers line the sidewalk near the scene of the mass shooting. EPA

US police continue their investigation into the shooting. EPA

A couple retrieve two car seats near the parade route. Chicago Tribune / AP

A community member organises abandoned belongings. Reuters

Members of the FBI's evidence response team walk the scene one day after the mass shooting. AP

A US flag and a chair lie abandoned along the parade route. Reuters

Spray paint on the ground marks evidence along the parade route. Reuters

Victims of a mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade north of Chicago have filed a lawsuit against gun maker Smith & Wesson Brands for marketing firearms to young men with a propensity for violent behaviour.

A series of lawsuits against the company were filed on Wednesday over the attack in Highland Park, Illinois, which left seven dead and 48 injured.

It is the latest effort by victims of such attacks to pursue damages against gun makers, which have generally been protected from liability under federal law.

“This isn’t just Highland Park, Illinois,” said Antonio Romanucci, whose law firm is part of the legal team behind the lawsuits, which includes Everytown for Gun Safety.

“Now we’re seeing a pattern.”

The complaints filed in Lake County allege the marketing of weapons by Smith & Wesson and other manufacturers are “the beginning and pivotal links in a foreseeable and predictable chain of events resulting in numerous mass shootings in America each year”.

A representative for Smith & Wesson did not respond to a request for comment.

The plaintiffs also claim that advertisements from the manufacturer promote a dangerous “warrior mentality” that does nothing to discourage would-be shooters from acquiring weapons and using them to carry out deadly attacks.

The suit also names alleged shooter Robert Eugene Crimo III, along with his father and several gun shops. Mr Crimo was arrested the day of the attack and has been charged with murder.

Children pause after hearing gunfire at a Fourth of July parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Illinois. Six people died and dozens were injured in the shooting. Reuters

US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hold a moment of silence for the victims. Reuters

Robert (Bob) E. Crimo III, a person of interest in the mass shooting. Reuters

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa, left, and his coaches bow their heads during a moment of silence at Guaranteed Rate Field. AP

A tricycle abandoned near the scene of the shooting. Reuters

Law enforcement officers escort a family away from the scene. AFP

Officers search Highland Park. AFP

Families are escorted away from the scene. AFP

Officers search the area surrounding the park. AFP

Officers keep a watchful eye following the shooting. AFP

Community members visit the site of the shooting. Reuters

People quickly fled the scene and left their belongings behind. AFP

A woman cries following the shooting. AP

Chairs left behind after the shooting. Reuters