A federal trial has begun over a 2020 incident in which Trump supporters, known as the “Trump Train,” allegedly harassed a Biden-Harris campaign bus in Texas. Plaintiffs, including former Texas state senator Wendy Davis, claim they were terrorized for 90 minutes as the convoy surrounded and endangered the bus. The lawsuit accuses six defendants of violating the 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act, which prohibits political violence and intimidation. The defense argues the Trump supporters were exercising their First Amendment rights, but the judge ruled reckless driving and intimidation are not protected. Plaintiffs are seeking damages.
Quick Read
- Trial Begins: A federal trial has started regarding a 2020 incident where Trump supporters allegedly harassed a Biden-Harris campaign bus in Texas.
- Harassment Claims: Plaintiffs claim they were terrorized for over 90 minutes as Trump supporters surrounded the bus, endangering them and nearly causing collisions.
- Ku Klux Klan Act: The lawsuit cites the 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act, which prohibits political violence and intimidation, as the basis for the charges.
- First Amendment Defense: Defendants argue their actions were protected under the First Amendment, but the judge ruled that reckless driving and intimidation are not protected speech.
- Seeking Damages: The plaintiffs, including former Texas state senator Wendy Davis, are seeking unspecified monetary damages.
- Past Lawsuit: A previous lawsuit related to the incident against San Marcos Police Department was settled for $175,000.
Trial begins over 2020 ‘Trump Train’ harassment of Biden-Harris campaign bus
NEWSLOOKS – AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
A federal trial begins Monday over claims that supporters of former President Donald Trump harassed and endangered a Biden-Harris campaign bus in Texas four years ago. The lawsuit stems from an October 2020 incident where a convoy of Trump supporters, known as the “Trump Train,” allegedly surrounded the bus on the highway, nearly causing collisions and forcing it to swerve repeatedly.
The plaintiffs, including former Texas state senator Wendy Davis, say they were terrorized for 90 minutes as the convoy boxed in the bus, slowed it down, and made dangerous maneuvers. The lawsuit accuses six defendants of violating the 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act, which prohibits political violence and intimidation.
Videos of the incident, shared widely on social media, show Trump supporters, many waving large flags, trailing and encircling the bus as it traveled from San Antonio to Austin. The lawsuit claims these actions, combined with previous death threats, led to the cancellation of a planned campaign event.
The defense argues that the Trump supporters were lawfully exercising their First Amendment rights. However, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman ruled that reckless driving and physical intimidation are not protected forms of expression. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages for the harassment and disruption.
This trial marks another chapter in the heated 2020 election aftermath, with significant attention on the role of political violence and free speech.
