Southwest
Uvalde mass shooting victims' families suing Meta, gun manufacturer and video game maker
Families in Uvalde, the Texas city where a teenage gunman killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers, are suing Meta Platforms, which owns Instagram, and the maker of the video game “Call of Duty,” alleging the companies bear responsibility for products used by the shooter.
Also named in the lawsuit is Daniel Defense, the maker of the AR-15 assault rifle used in the May 24, 2022 massacre at Robb Elementary School. The lawsuit was filed Friday, on the two-year anniversary of the shooting.
“There is a direct line between the conduct of these companies and the Uvalde shooting,” said Josh Koskoff, an attorney for the families. “This three-headed monster knowingly exposed him to the weapon, conditioned him to see it as a tool to solve his problems and trained him to use it.”
UVALDE SCHOOL SHOOTING: ONE YEAR LATER
A memorial outside Robb Elementary School, after a May 2022 mass shooting inside the school. Families impacted by the tragedy are suing several companies for their alleged roles in the shooting. (REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal)
The damages being sought weren’t specified.
The Uvalde shooter had played versions of “Call of Duty” since he was 15, including one that allowed him to effectively practice with the version of the rifle he used at the school, according to the lawsuit. The families also accused Instagram of doing little to enforce its rules that ban marketing firearms and harmful content to children.
A video game industry trade group also pushed back on blaming games for violence, arguing research has found no link to the massacre.
“We are saddened and outraged by senseless acts of violence. At the same time, we discourage baseless accusations linking these tragedies to video game play, which detract from efforts to focus on the root issues in question and safeguard against future tragedies,” the Entertainment Software Association told Fox News Digital.
“The Uvalde shooting was horrendous and heartbreaking in every way, and we express our deepest sympathies to the families and communities who remain impacted by this senseless act of violence,” a spokesperson for Activision, the maker of the video game, told Fox News Digital. “Millions of people around the world enjoy video games without turning to horrific acts.
TEXAS OFFICIALS: UVALDE SHOOTING REPORT REVEALS ‘MULTIPLE SYSTEMIC FAILURES’
FILE – Reggie Daniels pays his respects a memorial at Robb Elementary School, Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. The 19 fourth-graders and two teachers killed at the elementary school are being remembered, Friday, May 24, 2024 as the second anniversary of the one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history is marked. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (AP)
In a 2022 congressional hearing, Daniel Defense CEO Marty Daniels called the Uvalde shooting and others like it “pure evil” and “deeply disturbing.”
On Wednesday, families impacted by the tragedy filed a separate $500 million lawsuit against 91 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers and the local school district over their response to the shooting.
Local law enforcement officials have been heavily criticized over the hesitation to confront the shooter, which some say could have saved lives.
“You think the city of Uvalde has enough money, or training, or resources? You think they can hire the best of the best?” Koskoff said at a press conference this week. “As far as the state of Texas is concerned, it sounds like their position is: You’re on your own.”
More than 370 federal, state and local officers converged on the scene, but waited more than 70 minutes before a team led by Border Patrol agents confronted and killed the gunman.
Javier Cazares, center, stands with families of the victims in the Uvalde elementary school shooting during a news conference on Wednesday in Uvalde, Texas. The families of 19 of the victims announced a lawsuit against nearly 100 state police officers who were part of the botched law enforcement response. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
“Nearly 100 officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety have yet to face a shred of accountability for cowering in fear while my daughter and nephew bled to death in their classroom,” Veronica Luevanos, whose daughter Jailah and nephew Jayce were killed, said in a statement reported by the Texas Tribune.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Meta, Daniel Defense and the makers of “Call of Duty.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Read the full article from Here
Los Angeles, Ca
Man found guilty of sex trafficking victim along L.A.’s Figueroa Corridor
A former Riverside County man was found guilty of sex trafficking a female victim and forcing her to engage in commercial sex acts along L.A.’s notorious Figueroa Corridor.
Elias Abdul Shabazz, 34, formerly of Perris, was found guilty by a jury following a five-day trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Prosecutors said Shabazz had led the victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before he turned physically and sexually violent. He began demanding that the victim engage in commercial sex acts from May to October of 2021, court documents said.
He carried a handgun with him and, on occasion, was accused of using it to pistol-whip the victim. He also fired the gun at her feet while threatening to kill her, prosecutors said.
At trial, the victim said Shabazz demanded that she meet a daily quota of commercial sex proceeds and that she was terrified of the consequences of not meeting that quota.
She testified that Shabazz compelled her to work in the notorious Figueroa Corridor in South L.A., a dangerous area known for human trafficking and prostitution.
Shabazz had confiscated her identification card, Social Security card and birth certificate. He constantly monitored her cell phone to stop her from communicating with any friends or family.
“He also introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled every aspect of her life, including when she ate, slept and showered,” prosecutors said.
In May 2025, Shabazz was arrested and has remained in federal custody. His last known address at the time was in Washington, D.C.
On June 26, 2026, Shabazz was found guilty of one count of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, where he faces 15 years to life in prison.
“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”
“Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim’s courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them.”
Anyone with information about human trafficking can report tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888
Los Angeles, Ca
Watch Project Angel Food's 'Lead with Love' telethon on KTLA
The star-studded feel-good giveback event of the summer has returned. KTLA 5 is teaming up once again with Project Angel Food for the annual “Lead with Love: Going the Distance” telethon to raise critical funds for medically tailored meals delivered to people living with serious illnesses throughout Los Angeles County. The seventh annual telethon airs […]
Los Angeles, Ca
Woman ambushed, violently attacked by robber in downtown Long Beach
A woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after she was violently attacked by a robber in downtown Long Beach. On June 18, Jennifer Silva, 34, was attending a World Cup watch party at a Hooters restaurant at 90 Aquarium Way. After the game ended, she left the restaurant just before 11 p.m. As she walked […]
-
Lifestyle2 minutes agoAmateurs now conduct most weddings. Here is some basic advice
-
Technology12 minutes agoIt’s the last day of Prime Day — here are over 140 great deals to choose from
-
World17 minutes agoRubio announces framework deal between Israel and Lebanon as experts warn Iran will fight to sabotage it
-
Politics24 minutes agoLawyer who beat Hawaii gun law calls state’s reliance on Black Code ‘disgraceful’
-
Sports32 minutes ago2026 World Cup Group Scenarios: What Remaining Teams Need To Advance To Round of 32
-
Technology39 minutes agoOhio robot cop retires after zero arrests
-
Business42 minutes agoCommentary: Puncturing the myth of Alan Greenspan, whose policies gave us the Great Recession
-
Entertainment47 minutes agoOn 10th anniversary, Boleros de Noche’s legacy is celebrated by L.A. City Hall