Families of Uvalde school shooting victims sued Meta in Los Angeles, alleging Instagram failed to enforce rules forbidding firearms advertisements aimed at minors. The complaint cites Daniel Defense Instagram posts, including imagery of Santa with an assault rifle and a rifle leaning against a refrigerator with the caption normalizing use. Plaintiffs contend the Uvalde gunman opened a Daniel Defense account before turning 18, purchased the rifle as soon as he could, and exhibited obsessive Instagram use. Meta argues the families offered no proof minors viewed the disputed posts and that the posts were not direct ads linking to purchases.
In one ad posted on Instagram, the Georgia-based gunmaker Daniel Defense shows Santa Claus holding an assault rifle. In another post by the same company, a rifle leans against a refrigerator, with the caption: "Let's normalize kitchen Daniels. What Daniels do you use to protect your kitchen and home?" The lawsuit alleges those posts are marketed toward minors. The Uvalde gunman opened an online account with Daniel Defense before his 18th birthday and purchased the rifle as soon as he could, according to the lawsuit.
Meta attorney Kristin Linsley argued that the families provided no proof that minors, including the Uvalde gunman, even read the Daniel Defense posts on Instagram. She also said the posts didn't violate Meta's policies because they weren't direct advertisements and did not include links to purchase any products. Katie Mesner-Hage, representing the victims' families, said the defense's claim is "fundamentally unfair," as the plaintiffs don't have access to Meta
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