A federal trial is scheduled to start on Monday regarding allegations that supporters of former President Donald Trump threatened and harassed a Biden-Harris campaign bus in Texas four years ago, causing disruptions on the final day of early voting. The incident, known as the “Trump Train,” occurred as Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris were in the midst of their heated election battle for the White House in November.
According to the lawsuit, Democrats on the bus felt their lives were in danger as Trump supporters in numerous trucks and cars engaged in aggressive behavior for over 90 minutes. The convoy was harassed, a Biden-Harris campaign staffer’s car was struck, and the bus driver had to swerve multiple times to avoid dangerous situations. The confrontation on the highway prompted an FBI investigation, with Trump expressing his support for the individuals involved.
Former Texas state senator Wendy Davis, along with a campaign volunteer, staffer, and the bus driver, are among those suing six defendants for allegedly violating the “Ku Klux Klan Act,” a federal law established in 1871 to curb political violence and intimidation tactics. The lawsuit claims that the defendants, local groups near San Antonio, deliberately coordinated the confrontation that occurred on October 30, 2020.
Videos shared on social media showed cars and pickup trucks, many displaying large Trump flags, riding alongside the campaign bus from San Antonio to Austin. The supporters boxed in the bus, impeded its progress, and repeatedly forced evasive maneuvers from the bus driver. The lawsuit also mentioned death threats towards Biden-Harris supporters in the days leading up to the highway incident, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled event.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, alleging that the defendants’ actions went beyond protected free speech rights. One of the defendants’ attorneys argued that his clients acted within their rights and did not infringe on the free speech of those on the bus. However, the judge presiding over the trial rejected a pretrial motion for a summary judgment in favor of the defendants, citing the prohibition of physical intimidation under the KKK Act.
The trial, overseen by Judge Robert Pitman, will delve into the events of the “Trump Train” incident and the legal implications surrounding the alleged intimidation and harassment of the Biden-Harris campaign bus.
