The latest ruling from a federal appeals court concluded that former President Donald Trump cannot claim absolute immunity from three civil lawsuits alleging his role in inciting the
Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, consisting of a three-judge panel, permitted the continuation of these lawsuits by determining that actions beyond the scope of his official duties don't merit immunity, regardless of his presidential status.
Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan stated, "President Trump moved to dismiss the claims against him, invoking a President's official-act immunity from damages liability. We deny this, at least at this stage of the proceedings."
The suits, brought by lawmakers and Capitol police officers, accuse Trump of inciting the riot. They seek to hold him accountable for the events that unfolded, resulting in nearly 1,000 individuals facing charges for their roles in storming the Capitol and temporarily disrupting the Electoral College vote certification affirming Joe Biden's victory.
One lawsuit, initiated by ten House Democrats, alleges a violation of the 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act, initially naming Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and extremist groups associated with the attack.
Another suit, filed by Rep. Eric Swalwell, accuses Trump of being aware of the plot and failing to intervene. This legal action also names Donald Trump Jr. and Rep. Mo Brooks.
Additionally, Capitol Police officers James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby's lawsuit contends that Trump's actions incited the riot, leading to their injuries. Their lawyer expressed their commitment to pursuing accountability through legal proceedings.
The ruling was hailed by the lawyers representing the lawmakers and officers, emphasizing its significance in holding Trump accountable for the harm inflicted on Congress members and the nation's democracy.
The Justice Department, while refraining from taking a stance on the lawsuits, highlighted that presidents shouldn't be shielded from accountability for actions inciting violence, contradicting Trump's claim of complete immunity from lawsuits based on his public addresses. They advocated for a balanced approach in allowing these suits to proceed without imposing undue burden on a sitting president. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.