Today’s decision makes clear that our constitutional order does not grant former President Donald J. Trump immunity for his attempt to subvert our democracy. It should be obvious, but is worth reiterating: Our founders didn’t overthrow a tyrant king just to allow another to take his place. 

On January 6, 2021, a violent mob staged an attack on the United States Congress, intending to prevent a peaceful transfer of presidential power. Then-President Trump and his allies rallied this mob of thousands of supporters behind the repeatedly debunked lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen and summoned them to Washington. Trump then incited those supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, where Congress was counting Electoral College votes.

U.S. Capitol Police Officers James Blassingame Jr. and Sidney Hemby were on duty protecting the Capitol on January 6. Both endured hours of threats and violent attacks and suffered significant injuries as a result.

“More than two years later, it is unnerving to hear the same fabrications and dangerous rhetoric that put my life as well as the lives of my fellow officers in danger on January 6, 2021,” said James Blassingame, one of two plaintiffs in this case. He continued,  “I couldn’t be more committed to pursuing accountability on this matter.  I hope our case will assist with helping put our democracy back on the right track; making it crystal clear that no person, regardless of title or position of stature, is above the rule of law.”

“Today’s ruling makes clear that those who endanger our democracy and the lives of those sworn to defend it will be held to account,” said lead counsel Patrick Malone, of Patrick Malone & Associates. “Our clients look forward to pursuing their claims in court.”

“We’re moving one step closer to justice, one step closer to accountability, and one step closer to healing some of the wounds suffered by James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby,” said Kristy Parker, counsel at Protect Democracy. “As this case shows, our constitutional order does not grant former President Donald J. Trump immunity for his attempt to subvert our democracy.”