NJ Congresswoman Joins Lawsuit Against Trump For Capitol Riots

Princeton NJ

09 April, 2021

10:18 AM

Description

PRINCETON, NJ — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) and nine other members of Congress have joined a federal lawsuit accusing former President Donald Trump and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani for inciting the Capitol riots. The lawsuit claims that Trump and Giuliani violated a 19th century statute when they tried to prevent the certification of the presidential elections on Jan 6. Members who joined the lawsuit with Watson Coleman are Karen Bass of California, Steve Cohen of Tennessee, Veronica Escobar of Texas, Hank Johnson, Jr. of Georgia, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Barbara Lee of California, Jerrold Nadler of New York, Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Maxine Waters of California. The lawsuit was initially filed by the NAACP on behalf of Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson back in February. The lawsuit also names the Proud Boys, a far-right nationalist group, and the Oath Keepers, a militia group. "I've joined onto this complaint as a plaintiff because the threat to the safety of both our democracy and to me individually was blatantly and violently disregarded," Watson Coleman said in a statement released by the NAACP. "There must be accountability for the violent disruption of our business and personal fear that has arisen." According to the lawsuit, Watson Coleman alleges that on Jan 6 as she was planning to enter the House physician's office, she was ushered into a small room by Capitol police where she "heard shouts and menacing noises from the insurgents in the next hallway." While trapped in the room, she hoped if rioters broke down the first door, the second would be strong enough to keep them out. The plaintiffs are seeking punitive and compensatory damages. Watson Coleman was among the many lawmakers trapped in the Capitol when rioters breached it on Jan 6. Days after the riots, Watson Coleman said she tested positive for COVID-19. She believes she was exposed during protective isolation. Read More Here: NJ Congresswoman Has COVID-19 After Sheltering During DC Lockdown Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email [email protected] Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.