Uvalde, Texas – Two recent lawsuits have shed light on the role that social media platform Instagram and video game Call of Duty may have played in influencing the actions of an 18-year-old gunman responsible for the tragic Robb Elementary School massacre in Uvalde, Texas. The lawsuits, filed by families of the victims, allege that these companies actively contributed to the shooter’s training and preparation for the deadly attack that claimed the lives of 19 fourth-graders and two educators.
According to legal documents, both Instagram and the parent company of Call of Duty, along with the manufacturer of the AK-47-style firearm used in the shooting, are accused of grooming the teenage gunman for the mass killing. The families’ attorney, Josh Koskoff, emphasized the direct connection between the companies’ products and the violent actions that transpired at Robb Elementary School.
The lawsuits further detail how the shooter, Salvatore Ramos, had been exposed to violent video game content through Call of Duty from a young age, allowing him to practice with a virtual representation of the weapon he would later use in the real-world tragedy. Additionally, the families claim that Instagram failed to enforce its own policies, allowing gunmakers like Daniel Defense to promote and sell firearms online, including one ad that depicted an assault-style rifle with the caption, “Refuse to be a victim.”
In a separate lawsuit, Daniel Defense is accused of violating state law by enabling Ramos to create an account on their online store before he turned 18, ultimately leading to the purchase of the firearm used in the school shooting. The families’ attorneys highlighted the aggressive marketing tactics employed by the gun manufacturer on social media platforms like Instagram, characterizing it as promoting illegal and violent use of their products.
As these legal battles unfold, they coincide with a previous lawsuit filed by some of the victims’ families against Texas state police officials for the botched response to the shooting. Over 370 law enforcement officers reportedly took more than an hour to confront the shooter inside the school, raising questions about the handling of the tragic event.
The lawsuits against Instagram, Call of Duty, and gun manufacturers like Daniel Defense underscore a growing concern over the influence of media and technology on individuals, particularly young people. The allegations made by the families of the Uvalde school shooting victims highlight the complex interplay between entertainment, social media, and real-world violence, sparking important conversations about accountability and responsibility in the digital age.