A second man who was accused of assaulting anti-Trump protesters at a Trump campaign rally in Louisville last March in turn sued the president Monday.
Matthew Heimbach, at the time a Trump supporter, argued he had responded physically when the protesters were escorted out of the Kentucky International Convention Center. Heimback claims he was relying “on Trump’s authority to order disruptive persons removed,” according to documents filed in federal court.Alvin Bamberger is also being sued for allegations he shoved a woman who was protesting Trump. Bamberger filed a counterclaim on Friday stating he had taken action in response to Trump’s “urging and inspiration.”Meanwhile, the parties — protesters Kashiya Nwanguma, Molly Shah and Henry Brousseau — suing President Trump, his campaign, Heimbach and Bamberger, have accused them of inciting a riot against the individuals because he “selectively targeted the protestors for physical violence because of the content of their speech,” the lawsuit states.Those who were manhandled have asked for an unspecified amount of compensation for physical injuries and emotional distress.Trump’s lawyers submitted a federal court filing earlier this month arguing the former candidate was not responsible for assaults against campaign rally attendees.”Mr. Trump is immune from suit because he is President of the United States,” the lawyers wrote. The document also cited Trump’s words, “Don’t hurt them,” referring to the protesters who were removed from his events.Trump’s lawyers have requested a jury trial in the Louisville suit. A federal judge rejected the defense’s argument last month that free speech rights protected Trump from any comments he made.
