Chicago Fourth of July parade shooting survivors sue Smith & Wesson

Lawsuits accuse maker of gun used in attack of illegally targeting ads at young men at risk of committing violence

Survivors of the mass shooting at a suburban Chicago Fourth of July parade and family members of those killed filed 11 lawsuits on Wednesday against the manufacturer of the rifle used in the attack, accusing Smith & Wesson of illegally targeting ads at young men at risk of committing mass violence.

The sweeping effort by dozens of victims of the Highland Park shooting, anti-gun violence advocates and private attorneys is the latest attempt to hold gun manufacturers accountable for a mass killing despite broad protections in federal law.