Alex Jones and Free Speech Programs, InfoWars’ dad or mum firm, have been discovered responsible for Jones’ Sandy Hook lies—to the tune of almost $1 billion.
The conspiracy theorist had spent years claiming that the deadliest elementary faculty capturing in US historical past was a “large hoax” and accusing victims’ members of the family of being “disaster actors.” (As I’ve reported beforehand, Jones finally recanted, referring to his conduct as a “type of psychosis.”)
After a 17-day trial wherein grieving households of eight Sandy Hook victims shared tales of tolerating relentless harassment, together with dying and rape threats, from Jones’ legions of followers, a jury ordered Jones and Free Speech Programs to pay these households—and FBI agent William Aldenberg, whom Jones additionally focused—$965 million.
Many individuals aware of the case have been surprised by the scale of the damages. A number of of Jones’ corporations have filed for chapter, however victims say the strikes have been an try and maintain Jones from having to pay. It’s unclear how a lot cash he really has or what the judgment will imply for InfoWars.
Regardless of the large monetary hit, Jones doesn’t seem inclined to cease his efforts to generate profits off of the tragedy and the authorized proceedings—nor does he appear to really feel any regret. In a live-reaction video to the judgment announcement, Jones referred to the proceedings as a “present trial” and insisted that he didn’t know the victims.
“I don’t have any cash,” he stated, “so it’s all a giant joke.”
I’m certain the victims’ households would disagree.