St. Louis County, Mo. — A lawsuit has emerged following a frightful incident at a West County AMC theater this summer, where a teenager discharged a toy gun during a movie showing, sparking panic among the audience. The family affected by the incident, claiming trauma from the event, is now taking legal action against the movie theater chain, the toy manufacturer, and the retailer selling the toy.
In an interview, the family’s attorney, Charles Insler, alleges that AMC Theatres, the toy gun manufacturer Prime Time Toys, and Walmart, the retailer, all bear responsibility for the events that unfolded. Insler argues that AMC failed to enforce its policies against any kind of weapons, including toy replicas, which could have prevented the teenager’s disturbing actions.
The incident occurred as families gathered to watch “Inside Out 2.” A masked teenager began to shout profanities and fire gel bead bullets from a blaster toy, striking several moviegoers, including three members of one family. The bullets, resembling those of actual firearms, are part of a product line that remains available for purchase on Walmart’s website.
These types of toy guns have gained popularity, often showcased in viral videos where they are used to shoot friends and occasionally strangers. Insler points out that these toys are made to mimic the appearance of real automatic weapons, posing significant risks in public settings. The attorney stressed the importance of distinguishing between harmless toys and those realistic enough to cause genuine fear and disturbance.
The lawsuit detailed by Insler not only seeks to hold the parties accountable but also to prompt removal of these products from shelves, emphasizing the potential danger they represent. His criticism extends to Walmart and Prime Time Toys for providing such items without adequate warnings or restrictions.
AMC Theatres, when reached for comment, stated that they do not discuss ongoing legal matters. Similarly, Walmart and Prime Time Toys have refrained from commenting on the lawsuit specifics. In court documents, Walmart has positioned itself as an unrelated seller, pushing for dismissal from the case.
In addition to suing the companies, the family is also pursuing legal action against the teenager involved, who has been apprehended but remains unnamed due to his juvenile status. His mother, expressing regret and dismay over the incident, revealed the financial and emotional toll the situation has placed on her family. She highlighted her shock and embarrassment at her son’s “stupid actions,” which diverged sharply from what was intended to be a normal day at the movies with friends.
This unfortunate event has ignited discussions about the safety measures in venues frequented by families and the responsibility of companies in regulating products that could be mistaken for real weapons.
Legal proceedings are ongoing as the parties involved navigate the complex issues surrounding public safety and corporate accountability. The case underlines a growing public concern about the realism and accessibility of toy guns in the United States, sparking debates on consumer safety and the responsibilities of retailers and manufacturers.
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