Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers argued in court on Tuesday that he “cannot be held liable” for the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, claiming that his speech that day was protected by the First Amendment..
The arguments came during a hearing in a lawsuit filed by Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, who is alleging that Trump incited the violence that day..
Trump’s lawyers argued that the former president’s speech was protected by the First Amendment and that he did not incite the violence. They also argued that Swalwell does not have standing to sue Trump..
“The First Amendment protects the right to express unpopular views,” Trump’s lawyer, Justin Clark, said in court. “The president’s speech on January 6 was protected speech.”.
Swalwell’s lawyers argued that Trump’s speech was not protected by the First Amendment and that he did incite the violence. They also argued that Swalwell does have standing to sue Trump..
“The president’s speech was not protected speech,” Swalwell’s lawyer, David Eisen, said in court. “He incited the violence that day.”.
The judge in the case, Amit Mehta, did not rule on Tuesday on Trump’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. He said he would issue a written ruling at a later date..
The lawsuit is one of several that have been filed against Trump in connection with the January 6 riot. The House of Representatives impeached Trump for inciting an insurrection, but the Senate acquitted him..
The Justice Department is also investigating the riot and has charged hundreds of people in connection with it..
Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the riot. He has claimed that the election was stolen from him and that he did not incite the violence..
The January 6 riot was one of the most significant events in American history. It was the first time that the Capitol had been breached since the War of 1812..
The riot has led to a number of debates about the future of democracy in the United States. Some people argue that the riot was a sign of a decline in democracy, while others argue that it was an isolated incident..
The debate over the January 6 riot is likely to continue for years to come..
