Boston, in Deal With Gun Makers, Drops Suit

Citing financial concerns and improved weapon safety measures, Boston on Wednesday dropped its lawsuit against the gun industry.

The city had sued gun manufacturers, distributors and trade groups in June 1999, alleging they were responsible for gun violence. The suit sought to recover the costs of gun-related violence.

There are 16 similar suits pending involving 25 other cities. Boston’s case was expected to be the first to go to trial, in September.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino said the suit was withdrawn after both sides agreed to a resolution that calls for the industry to devote more resources to combating gun violence in Boston.

He also said going to trial was too expensive for the city.

According to Boston’s top health official, John Auerbach, the city was spending $30,000 per month during the discovery phase of the case. He could not give the total amount spent.

“Under extreme pressure from our suit and others like it, the industry is starting to take small steps to address our concerns of safety and education,” Menino said. “We’re not there yet, but it’s a move in the right direction.”

The mayor cited new state regulations that mandate all firearms meet minimum design and safety standards, and the gun industry’s decision to include free trigger locking devices with each firearm.

Dennis Henigan, legal director of the Washington-based Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which helps litigate the suits, said no other city has voluntarily dropped a suit.

“It is a very sad day, but I think Boston is encouraging other cities to carry on, and we think they will,” he said Wednesday.

There have been 21 similar suits in recent years, Henigan said. Courts have dismissed cases brought by New Orleans; Miami; Bridgeport, Conn.; and Camden County, N.J.

Five suits have been dismissed, but are being appealed, he said.

Proponents of gun rights applauded the city’s decision.

“It indicates they should have never brought the lawsuit to begin with,” said James Baker, chief lobbyist for the National Rifle Assn. “It’s a lesson that other cities ought to take. Criminals are responsible for their own actions, not manufacturers of legal products.”

Spokesmen for gun makers Glock and Taurus International could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.

There were 28,874 gun-related deaths in the U.S. in 1999, the most recent statistics available from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.