First Amendment Will Not Defend President Trump
The three protestors who were forcibly removed from a March 2016 Trump rally while being shoved and hit by his supporters will be allowed to continue their lawsuit, a Kentucky federal judge has determined.
The protestors were assaulted when being removed from a March 2016 Trump Rally in Kentucky.
President Trump’s attorneys requested the case be dismissed on grounds of Freedom of Speech, but Judge David J. Hale ruled that speech inciting violence is not protected by the Free Speech clause of the First Amendment. His ruling further stated there is enough evidence to suggest the protestors’ injuries were a direct result of Trump’s rhetoric.
“It is plausible that Trump’s direction to ‘get ’em out of here’ advocated the use of force,” Hale wrote, as reported by the Washington Post. “It was an order, an instruction, a command.”
The case is the latest in the debate surrounding whether all of Trump’s words should be taken seriously. Those in the President’s corner, including Trump’s attorneys and White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, argue there is a solid line separating the President’s satire from his sincerity. Others argue that everything the President says should be taken literally.
In this case, Judge David J. Hale is taking his words literally.
Further Reading
A judge rules Trump may have incited violence … and Trump again has his own mouth to blame, Washington Post
I live and work in Louisville where this event occurred, and In fact my building was next door to the event. On that day, I observed a group of young organized protestors planning their strategy in Panera Bread Restaurant that was across the street from the Convention Center. Their mission had nothing to do with an orderly protest. I observed the group leader providing instructions of how to be disruptive.
Since I was wearing a suit, I may have appeared intimidating so the leader moved her group of about 8 followers elsewhere and out of my view.
I did not attend the rally, but I observed that there was certainly a strong air of contention in this mixed crowd of energized and highly opinionated people from both sides. I am surprised that this event did not become violent, as I believe was the mission of the planned protestors. The security personnel did a splendid job.
I honestly don’t think Trump was aware how of much “hate energy” was in the crowd.
As an American, I find it very disturbing that citizens have to act like young children on a playground instead of being responsible adults.
Respectfully,
Ken
Louisville, KY