Gun store must pay nearly $6 million to cops seriously injured by gun
A Wisconsin gun shop must pay two police officers $1.5 million an $3.6 million, along with $730,000 in punitive damages
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Julius Burton, 18, could not legally purchase a gun, so he paid a friend $40 to buy one for him.
Surveillance footage inside Wisconsin’s Badger Guns shop, now known as Brew City Shooter's Supply Inc, shows Burton choosing his new weapon, as a store clerk helped the pair fill out a two-page form to ensure that 21-year-old Jacob Collins was listed as the owner.
The New York Times reports that two months later, Burton was stopped by police officers Bryan Norberg and Graham Kunisch for riding his bike on the sidewalk in 2009. The officers scuffled with the teen, before he drew his weapon and shot both officers in the face.
On Tuesday, jurors ordered the Badger Gun shop to pay officer Norberg $1.5 million and Mr Knish $3.6 million, along with $730,000 in punitive damages.
The issue has recently gained steam as the 2016 presidential race charges forward. Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton recently promised to repeal laws that shield gun shops from liability claims and provides straw purchasers with tougher sentences.
Timothy D Lytton, a law expert in gun cases at the Georgia State University College of Law, previously told the Times that a decision in the officers’ favor may encourage more plaintiffs to bring forward lawsuits against gun shops.
Burton pleaded guilty to two charges of first-degree attempted homicide in 2009 and is currently serving an 80 year sentence.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments