[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1 link=same] [bsa_pro_ad_space id=2]

Skip to Content

Operator News

US – MGM’s lawsuit on ‘Route 91 massacre’ provokes social media backlash

By - 19 July 2018

MGM Resorts has filed a federal lawsuit against more than 1,000 Las Vegas mass shooting victims in an effort to avoid liability when a lone gunman killed 58 people at the Route 91 Harvest festival on October 1.

MGM is being sued by thousands of concert goers caught up in the massacre who believe it was negligent for not preventing the shooting. The casino operator wants a federal judge decide whether a 2002 anti-terrorism act clears it of liability for injuries or deaths during the shooting.

MGM said: “We have filed what is known as an action for declaratory relief. All we are doing, in effect, is asking for a change in venue from state to federal court. We are not asking for money or attorney’s fees. We only want to resolve these cases quickly, fairly and efficiently.”

MGM doesn’t believe it is liable because its security company for the concert, Contemporary Services Corporation, was federally certified at the time of the shooting.

The lawsuit added: “If defendants were injured by Paddock’s assault, as they allege, they were inevitably injured both because Paddock fired from his window and because they remained in the line of fire at the concert. Such claims inevitably implicate security at the concert — and may result in loss to CSC.”

The action has though provoked a backlash on social media following the publication of headlines saying ‘MGM sues victims.’
Catherine Lombardo, an attorney representing 100s of victims, said: “We are shocked. MGM is absolutely liable.”

MGM later described the shooting as ‘the despicable act of one evil individual’ and stressed that its lawsuits actually aim to benefit the victims.

Debra DeShong, spokeswoman for MGM Resorts, said: “The Federal Court is an appropriate venue for these cases and provides those affected with the opportunity for a timely resolution. Years of drawn-out litigation and hearings are not in the best interest of victims, the community and those still healing.”

Share via
Copy link