The Daily

Why Mexico Is Suing U.S. Gunmakers

Aug 24, 2021

Natalie Kitroeff, a New York Times correspondent specializing in Mexico and Central America, discusses Mexico's groundbreaking lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers. She highlights how American firearms significantly contribute to drug cartel violence in Mexico. The conversation delves into the troubling history of gun trafficking, including the controversial 'Fast and Furious' operation. Kitroeff also emphasizes the push for greater accountability in gun marketing practices and the urgent need for reform to protect Mexican citizens from escalating violence.

23:21

Creator website

Episode guests

Natalie Kitroeff

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Arms Flow Crisis

7min

Gun Trafficking Controversies

4min

Legal Battles Over Gun Marketing

8min

Mexico's Fight for Safer Gun Regulations

6min

For years, Mexico has been gripped by horrific violence as drug cartels battle each other and kill civilians. In the last 15 years alone, homicides have tripled. The violence, the Mexican government says, is fueled, in part, by American guns.

Now Mexico is bringing a lawsuit against 10 gun manufacturers in a U.S. federal court, accusing them of knowingly facilitating the sale of guns to drug cartels in the country.

How did the situation get to this point, and what arguments are being mounted by the Mexican government?

Guest: Natalie Kitroeff, a correspondent covering Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean for The New York Times.

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Background reading:

For years, Mexican officials have complained that lax U.S. gun control was responsible for devastating bloodshed in Mexico. Earlier this month, they moved their campaign into American courts.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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