04/07/2000

Massachusetts, Florida and California have joined other states in an antitrust probe of the gun industry, Reuters reported April 5.

The probe is aimed at determining whether U.S. gun companies are trying to stop Smith & Wesson from making its guns safer. The industry is dissatisfied with Smith & Wesson because the company signed an agreement requiring trigger locks and other measures in return for being dropped from a sweeping lawsuit against the industry.

The three states join Connecticut, Maryland and New York. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who is spearheading the investigation, expects more states to join the probe, as well.

To date, Blumenthal said, more than 20 subpoenas have been issued for firearms manufacturers, distributors and others. "We have issued a number of subpoenas and more will be forthcoming this week and next," he said.