[JURIST] Former US Rep. Bob Barr on Thursday filed a complaint [press release] on behalf of Georgia firearms dealer Adventure Outdoors [corporate website] in a Georgia state court alleging that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg [official website] violated state and federal laws while preparing to file a federal lawsuit against fifteen out-of-state gun dealers [JURIST report]. The complaint [PDF text] alleges that Bloomberg committed conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) [text] by falsifying an ATF form [sample form] to fraudulently obtain a firearm from Adventure Outdoors, in violation of 18 USC 1001 [text] and 18 USC 922 [text], and that Bloomberg committed libel and slander by releasing misleading statements to national media outlets regarding the federal lawsuit. The lawsuit demands restitution totaling $400 million.

A spokesperson for Bloomberg called the suit a publicity stunt aimed at pulling attention away from Bloomberg's lawsuit, which alleges in part that fifteen gun retailers, including Adventure Outdoors, engaged in unlawful selling practices. On Thursday, Bloomberg announced [statement] the passage of four New York City ordinances aimed at reducing gun crime in the city. AP has more.