Court Dismisses Lawsuits Against Missouri Senators Over False Social Media Claims

Kansas City: Court Dismisses Lawsuits Against Missouri Senators Over False Social Media Claims

In a surprising turn of events, a U.S. District Court judge in Kansas has dismissed lawsuits against three Missouri state senators who were accused of sharing misleading posts on social media. This case stems from allegations made by Denton Loudermill, a Johnson County resident, who claimed that the senators were responsible for spreading false information about him being linked to a tragic shooting during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in February.

The Ruling

Judge John W. Broomes, appointed by former President Donald Trump, concluded that the Kansas federal court did not have the authority to hear lawsuits against Senators Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins, and Nick Schroer since all three are Missouri residents. In his ruling, Broomes made it clear that while Loudermill may have valid concerns regarding the harm caused by the posts, he could not prove that the senators intended to target Kansas residents with their comments.

In his orders, Broomes stated, “While Plaintiff may be able to reasonably plead an intentional action that caused injury in the forum state by Defendant, he cannot show that Defendant expressly aimed his social media post at the state of Kansas.” This conclusion refocused attention on the limits of jurisdiction in cases that cross state lines.

Next Steps for Loudermill

Despite this setback, Loudermill’s attorney, Arthur Benson, has expressed determination to seek justice and plans to refile the lawsuits in Missouri. Recognizing the complexities of the situation, Benson stated that he is committed to holding the senators accountable for their social media actions.

Political Reactions

This case hasn’t just stirred legal debates—it has also ignited significant political controversy in Missouri. The Missouri Attorney General’s office, led by Andrew Bailey, had come under fire for defending the three senators. Even Missouri’s Republican Governor Mike Parson expressed criticism about this legal decision. On the other hand, Bailey’s office defended their position, asserting that “Questions of Missouri law belong in Missouri courts, not in remote courts in other states,” according to spokesperson Madeline Sieren.

What Was Alleged?

Loudermill’s original lawsuit claimed that the posts made by the senators created a public perception that he was an “illegal alien” linked to the Kansas City shooting, which resulted in one death and injured over twenty people. He alleged that because of these false claims, he faced severe distress, including death threats, anxiety, and financial damages amounting to more than $75,000.

Reactions from the Senators

In light of the ruling, Senator Denny Hoskins expressed relief, stating he aligns with the judge’s decision and emphasizes the need for accountability for the actual perpetrators of the shooting. He noted, “The criminals who shot innocent bystanders need to be held accountable for their senseless acts of violence.”

Similarly, Senator Nick Schroer welcomed the ruling, describing the lawsuits against them as “frivolous” and mentioned that he is exploring options for action against those who spread misinformation about him on social media. Meanwhile, Senator Rick Brattin has yet to publicly comment on the ruling.

Conclusion

The dismissal of these lawsuits has added an intriguing chapter to the ongoing discourse surrounding accountability on social media, especially when it intersects with political dialogue. As this story develops, it will be interesting to see how Loudermill’s next steps unfold and whether the political ramifications will continue to resonate within Missouri’s legislative landscape.