By Trend News Line 2024-05-21 09:46:05.
In a surprising turn of events, Missouri taxpayers will not be footing the bill for defamation lawsuits filed against three state senators who wrongly identified a Kansas man as the shooter at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade. Governor Mike Parson made it clear that no payments related to the lawsuits should be certified without his approval or a court order.
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Misinformation spread like wildfire when Denton Loudermill was falsely accused by GOP state Sens. Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins and Nick Schroer on social media of being an undocumented immigrant and the shooter at the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade. Loudermill, who was born in Kansas and had no involvement in the shooting, decided to take legal action against the senators.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey is representing the three senators in the lawsuit, arguing that they were acting in their official capacity when they made the defamatory posts on social media. However, Governor Parson expressed his disappointment in Bailey’s decision to use taxpayer resources to defend the senators, stating that politicians should not receive a free pass for spreading false information.
Parson emphasized that the senators falsely accused an American citizen of a heinous act and linked it to his immigration status. He made it clear that Missourians should not be held liable for legal expenses stemming from such actions. The Office of Administration confirmed that they will comply with the governor’s directive and Missouri law in this matter.
This is not the first time the Office of Administration has refused to pay controversial legal expenses. In 2018, the agency denied payment of $180,000 in fees to private attorneys who represented then-Gov. Eric Greitens during impeachment proceedings. The state argued that the primary beneficiary of the lawyers’ work was Greitens individually and not the governor’s office itself.
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The saga began when an anonymous Twitter account falsely accused Loudermill of being the shooter at the Chiefs parade and being in the country illegally. This misinformation quickly spread, leading to the senators making their own posts on social media, further perpetuating the false claims. However, the truth eventually came to light, and Loudermill was cleared of any involvement in the shooting.
The senators’ posts have since been deleted, but the damage had already been done. Governor Parson’s refusal to pay any potential damages awarded to Loudermill sends a strong message that spreading false information and defaming individuals will not be tolerated in Missouri.
In conclusion, it is essential for public officials to be held accountable for their actions, especially when they involve spreading misinformation that can harm innocent individuals. Governor Parson’s stance on this issue sets a precedent for responsible use of taxpayer resources and upholding the truth in public discourse. Let this serve as a reminder that words have consequences, and spreading false information can have serious legal implications..
Parson orders state agency not to pay legal expenses for legislators facing defamation suit
State agency does not pay legal expenses for legislators facing defamation suit.
