Here’s Why MGM Resorts Is SUING Las Vegas Shooting Victims

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MGM Resorts International, the owners of the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas, have filed federal lawsuits against over 1,000 victims of the mass shooting there last October, in a bid to avoid liability.

On October 1, 2017, 58 people were killed and hundreds more were injured when Stephen Paddock opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest Festival from a window at the Mandalay Bay. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Several hundred victims filed a lawsuit against MGM Resorts in November, citing negligence in allowing Paddock access to a service elevator that enabled him to stockpile weapons and ammunition. That lawsuit also alleged that MGM failed to sufficiently monitor hotel premises, failed to respond to the shooting of a security officer, and failed to train employees on how to deal with suspicious activity.

But in a new lawsuit filed by MGM Resorts, the company claims it has “no liability of any kind” to the victims of the shooting. This lawsuit seeks to dismiss all the pending litigation against them stemming from the shooting.

They cited a “2002 federal act that extends liability protection to any company that uses ‘anti-terrorism’ technology or services that can ‘help prevent and respond to mass violence.’” Since they did hire a security vendor certified by the Department of Homeland Security, they say, it’s not their fault.

They say, “Hey, we did what we were supposed to do, legally, to ensure safety. And it was just a horrendous failure. Oopsie!”

Now, just because MGM is suing the victims, doesn’t mean they’re seeking any compensation. They’re just asking a judge to rule that any and all lawsuits against them pertaining to this shooting are not viable.

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Attorney Robert Eglet, who represents many of the shooting victims, says MGM is attempting to move the proceedings to federal court instead of state court, to try and find a more favorable judge. He called it a “blatant display of judge shopping” that “quite frankly verges on unethical. I’ve never seen a more outrageous thing, where they sue the victims in an effort to find a judge they like. It’s just really sad that they would stoop to this level.”

But MGM defended their actions.

A spokesperson 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.”

You see? Their suing the victims to try and help heal them! It couldn’t be simpler.

This has created a PR nightmare for MGM Resorts, with many calling for a boycott of their Las Vegas hotels, including the Aria, Luxor, MGM Grand and the Bellagio.

What do you guys think? Will you be boycotting MGM Resorts over the lawsuit? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter at @WhatsTrending.

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