Gunmaker Remington offers millions in settlement with Sandy Hook victim families

In an unprecedented move, gun manufacturer Remington has rewarded the families of the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting settlements for their losses. On Tuesday, the victims’ families marked a victory in their effort with the announcement of a $73 million settlement with Remington Arms.

The settlement marks the first instance in the United States of a gun manufacturer facing liability for a mass shooting. The families successfully argued in court that Remington was negligent by allowing consumers access to a weapon that as was suitable for use only by military and law enforcement personnel. Their neglect violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act through the sale or wrongful marketing of the rifle. Per the Washington Post, the gunmaker of Bushmaster AR-15 style rifle, they were driven by the goal of sparing other families the pain that had upended their lives.

“We’re standing here because we want to make sure that another father and another mother don’t have to stand here someday,” said David Wheeler, the father of 6-year-old victim Benjamin Wheeler.

This victory will help gun control advocates zone in on gun marketing.