US federal court throws out NYC gun control case

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

NEW YORK (AFP) — A US federal court in Manhattan has thrown out an eight-year-old case in which New York City sought to rein in the illegal firearms trade.

The appeals court of the second circuit on Wednesday rejected the city's arguments that gun manufacturers sell their products to intermediaries often fully aware that the weapons will end up in criminals' hands.

The judges said arms makers are protected by a 2005 federal law passed to protect them from being held responsible for crimes committed with their products.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg regretted the decision.

"Regardless of this ruling, we will continue our fight against illegal guns full-bore, in the courtrooms, on the streets, and in Congress," he said.

© 2008 AFP