Olathe Man Takes Legal Action Against Missouri Senators
In a recent twist in a gripping saga that has seized social media attention, an Olathe resident has filed lawsuits against three Missouri senators. This comes after they allegedly posted false information on social media that misidentified him as both an illegal alien and a shooter involved in the tragic shooting during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory rally earlier this year.
Denton Loudermill, the man at the center of the storm, filed the new lawsuits on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for Western Missouri. The senators named in the suits include Sen. Rick Brattin of Harrisonville, Sen. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg, and Sen. Nick Schroer of St. Charles County. Prior to this, Loudermill had filed similar lawsuits in federal court in Kansas, which were dismissed just last week. The judge had ruled that the Kansas court did not have the personal jurisdiction needed to proceed against Missouri lawmakers. However, Loudermill’s new suits are more robust, containing an additional claim of libel per se.
The Heavy Burden of False Claims
Loudermill’s attorney, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders, spoke to reporters during a news conference at the Olathe Public Library, expressing their determination to pursue the case further. “As a private citizen, he should have a right to remain private, keep his life private, and not have public figures, elected officials, be reckless and make statements and think there’s no accountability for it,” Lassiter Saunders passionately commented.
On Thursday, Loudermill detailed the profound impact of the senators’ actions. Since the false claims began circulating, he has faced a barrage of questions from acquaintances and strangers alike. “It’s hard because they put my life in danger,” he remarked, highlighting the severity of the situation. Despite his plight, none of the senators have offered an apology. “I just want them to pay for that,” Loudermill asserted. His life has been turned upside down, making him feel unsafe and uncomfortable even in familiar settings.
A Changed Perspective on Public Events
Loudermill’s experience has even made him rethink his participation in public events. With Kansas City Chiefs fans abuzz about the possibility of another Super Bowl victory celebration, Loudermill reflected on whether he would feel safe attending future festivities. “I’m going to be at the party,” he stated, but hesitated, “I’m thinking about not because I don’t want to be in that same situation again.” It’s clear that the repercussions of such unfounded claims have made him wary of public life.
The lawsuits against the senators stem from their sharing of false social media posts that not only misidentified Loudermill but also tied him to the heartbreaking shooting that claimed the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 43-year-old mother from Johnson County. The incident left 22 others injured outside Union Station. The legal documents assert that the senators’ posts led to Loudermill receiving numerous death threats, along with creating significant emotional turmoil for him, including feelings of humiliation, severe anxiety, and a troubling loss of sleep.
Looking Ahead
In an additional turn of events, Loudermill’s lawsuits against U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, were also dismissed last month, but plans are in motion to refile that case in the federal court in Washington D.C.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the real-world impact of misinformation, especially when public figures stir the pot. For Loudermill, the path ahead may be rocky, but he is determined to regain control over his life and ensure that accountability is served.
