Lawsuit Against River City Firearms Proceeds After Louisville Bank Shooting

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A lawsuit against River City Firearms is set to proceed after a judge denied the gun store’s request for dismissal. The case centers on the mass shooting that took place at Old National Bank on April 10, 2023, where five individuals lost their lives.

The victims have been identified as Joshua Barrick, 40; Jim Tutt, 64; Tommy Elliott, 63; Juliana Farmer, 45; and Deana Eckert, 57. The shooting occurred when Connor Sturgeon, a 25-year-old bank employee, opened fire inside the bank, killing the five and injuring several others.

In the lawsuit, filed by the families of the victims and survivors, the plaintiffs allege that River City Firearms acted negligently by selling the shooter an AR-15-style rifle just six days before the tragedy. They claim that the store ignored red flags that indicated Sturgeon was unfit to purchase a firearm.

According to court documents, testimonies from witnesses at River City Firearms reveal that employees taught Sturgeon how to handle the weapon and that he displayed discomfort and a lack of knowledge about guns.

The lawsuit also alleges that River City not only sold the firearm but also provided accessories, such as additional magazines and a red-dot sight, without addressing concerns about Sturgeon’s mental state. “Our clients have shown extraordinary courage in demanding answers for the devastation inflicted that April morning,” said Antonio M. Romanucci, the attorney representing the plaintiffs.

The court stated that the case will now move to the discovery phase, allowing both parties to gather evidence. “That Monday morning, many families lost loved ones, and other members of our Louisville community suffered lifelong injuries,” said Tad Thomas, another attorney involved in the case.

In a symbolic turn of events, River City Firearms closed its location on Preston Highway but announced it will reopen in Mt. Washington. The legal proceedings highlight ongoing concerns regarding gun sales and accountability in the wake of mass shootings.

The Old National Bank shooting stands as one of the deadliest incidents in Louisville’s history, prompting discussions about gun control and safety measures. The police department revealed that Sturgeon had expressed intentions to carry out the attack in his purchase receipts.