Louisville, Kentucky: Survivors and families of victims of the Old National Bank mass shooting have filed a lawsuit against the gun store that sold the weapon to the shooter. The lawsuit was filed by four survivors, along with the families of Jim Tutt and Josh Barrick, who tragically lost their lives in the shooting. The shooter purchased the AR-15-style rifle from River City Firearms.
The lawsuit accuses the store of negligent entrustment, negligence, wrongful death, loss of spousal consortium, and loss of parental consortium. It argues that employees should have recognized “red flags,” such as the gunman’s behavior and lack of knowledge about guns. The lawsuit also cites eyewitness testimony from other customers in the store the same day, stating that the gunman was acting suspiciously. Witnesses mentioned that it was evident the gunman had never handled a gun before and that an employee had to teach him how to load and hold the weapon.
The tragic shooting occurred just six days after the gunman purchased the weapon, resulting in the loss of several lives and injuring others, including law enforcement officers. The lawsuit also alleges that the owners of River City Firearms reported an increase in business following previous mass shootings involving AR-15-style guns. The store was also identified as a candidate for a “top 100 trace” compliance inspection in 2016, signifying that it was a top source of crime guns. After an inspection by the Louisville ATF in 2017, it was revealed that a convicted felon had bought, or attempted to buy, firearms from River City Firearms, along with other violations in transaction forms and reporting requirements.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, attorney costs, and any other relief the plaintiffs may be entitled to. WLKY has reached out to River City Firearms for comment, and is awaiting a response. The legal action is an important step for the families and survivors seeking accountability for the tragic and preventable loss of their loved ones in the Old National Bank mass shooting.