After a legal action filed by Letitia James and several law firms and gun violence prevention organizations, MEAN LLC agreed to cease sales of its MA Lock gun accessory in New York. A statement from the Office of the New York State Attorney General indicated that the accessory was associated with the Buffalo Tops supermarket shooting in which ten people were killed. The MA Lock had been marketed as a product intended to bring certain firearms into compliance with New York law, though officials stated that the included instructions described how the device could be removed, enabling the use of high-capacity magazines that are restricted under state law.
Under the settlement, Mean Arms is required to pay $1.75 million to the families of those killed, individuals who were injured, and others affected by the incident, and the agreement permanently prohibits the sale of the MA Lock in New York. On May 14, 2022, the shooter in the Buffalo supermarket attack killed ten people and injured three others; authorities stated that he used a firearm equipped with an MA Lock device that had been modified to allow the use of high-capacity magazines. As part of the settlement terms, the company must notify retailers of the prohibition on sales in New York, update its product packaging, and remove statements indicating that the MA Lock is legal for sale in the state.
Letitia James described the Tops supermarket shooting in Buffalo as a tragic event that resulted in the loss of ten lives and had a lasting impact on the community, and stated that the settlement is intended to support accountability and prevent further sales of the MA Lock in the state. She noted that financial compensation cannot reverse the harm caused or restore the lives lost, and that the agreement is aimed at addressing the consequences of the incident while limiting future distribution of the product in New York.
Local officials and community leaders responded to the settlement with statements reflecting both mourning and calls for continued action. Kathy Hochul said the state would continue efforts in memory of the ten people killed and thanked the Attorney General for pursuing the case. Community members and lawmakers have also indicated that the incident has reinforced support for maintaining and strengthening New York’s gun laws. Lawrence Dupre stated that the settlement focuses on holding companies accountable when they attempt to circumvent state firearms regulations for financial gain.
Community members and elected officials have emphasized the need for continued oversight following the settlement. Crystal Peoples-Stokes stated that modifying a semi-automatic rifle contributed to the scale of harm in the Buffalo attack on May 14, 2022, and referenced how the firearm was altered. Zeneta Everhart also addressed concerns about high-capacity magazines, noting their ability to discharge numerous rounds in a short period of time. She described the settlement as a measure intended to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
With relentless advocacy and complex legal maneuverings, teams from Everytown for Gun Safety, GIFFORDS, and local law offices have managed to push for crucial changes and provided some measure of justice to those affected by the Buffalo shooting. While the finances secured through the settlement offer some reparations, the resounding message from this legal victory is the unwillingness of New York State to countenance loopholes in its gun safety laws.
