June 1, 2022
Cited article by Emily Flitter, The New York Times
HRRC is devastated by the ongoing gun violence and loss of life in the United States. It is important to hold firearm companies accountable for their role in this violence, and therefore independent investigations are of utmost importance in understanding their particular role.
Article Summary
A shareholder and activist group of gunmaker Sturm Ruger submitted a proposal requesting the company hire an outside firm to conduct a study on how Ruger and its product impact human rights. This proposal, however, is non-binding and therefore it remains to be seen whether the company will agree to it. The company itself has urged shareholders to vote against the proposal. If Ruger were to agree to this proposal, it would open the company up to scrutiny by an external and independent firm.
In two recent shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York, the weapons used were not manufactured by Ruger. However, Ruger is one of three publicly traded gun companies in the United States and has a higher degree of accountability to public opinion. While this represents a critical first step in addressing the continued and increasing severity of gun violence, there is no indication on whether the process will advance.