MGM Resorts has filed a complaint in Federal District Court which argues that a post-9/11 federal law called the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002 shields them lawsuits filed by the victims of the October 1, 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. Over 2,500 people have either threatened or filed lawsuits against the company for the deaths and physical and emotional injuries and distress suffered as a result of the attack.
The suit revolves around the company hired by MGM, Contemporary Services Corporation, which provided security during the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. Contemporary Services Corporation is also certified by the Department of Homeland Security “for protecting against and responding to acts of mass injury and destruction”, which in turn grants them protection from liability under the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002. It should be noted, however, that to date the October 1, 2017 attack has not been ruled as an act of terrorism and that investigators have not determined a clear motive for the shooting.
More Resources:
MGM Resorts International, et al. v. Acosta, et al. – Complaint filed July 13, 2018
H.R.5005 – Homeland Security Act of 2002
Lawsuits claim MGM has no liability to Las Vegas shooting victims, Las Vegas Review-Journal, July 16, 2018
MGM’s lawsuit against Las Vegas shooting victims, explained, PBS Newshour, July 18, 2018.
