Statement By Attorney General Eliot Spitzer Regarding The National Shooting Sports Foundation Lawsuit

I am committed to doing all I can to reduce gun violence in our society. As part of this effort, I believe that the gun industry must change the way it designs, distributes and markets its products to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and children. This was my goal in advancing an industry code of conduct and in organizing a municipal gun procurement coalition.

The gun industry, however, has resisted reforms from the beginning. With only one exception, the industry has been unwilling to change the way it does business. Today's lawsuit by the NSSF and several manufacturers is therefore not a surprise. It is another example of how the industry refuses to take responsibility for its products, and tries to protect its bottom line at the expense of safer homes, streets and schools.

I will continue cooperative efforts with law enforcement and with representatives of local, state and federal governments to encourage gun manufacturers to adopt new safety measures that will reduce crime and accidental shootings.

In addition, I look forward to litigating any case where the gun industry argues that profits are more important than public safety.