MGM Resorts, operator of the Las Vegas hotel where a lone gunman gunned down 58 people at a concert, is suing more than 1,000 victims of the mass shooting in a bid to evade liability.
Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on concert-goers before killing himself.
MGM has filed in Nevada and California arguing it cannot be held liable for any deaths, injuries or damages from the attack.
It says the hotel’s security company was certified by the Department of Homeland Security and was therefore protected from liability under a 2002 federal act.
It does not seek money and appears only to be a bid to secure dismissal of the various victims’ lawsuits or a more favorable judge in a federal court.
A lawyer for several victims called the lawsuit ‘outrageous’ and ‘verging on unethical’.
Robert Eglet told the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "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."
In a statement, MGM said it was not suing victims for any money and was sympathetic.
"Years of drawn out litigation and hearings are not in the best interest of the victims, the community and those still healing," said a spokeswoman.
"The federal court is an appropriate venue for these cases and provides those affected with the opportunity for a timely resolution."
