UPDATE: A Texas judge has just ordered the immediate sale of Alex Jones’s Infowars assets to satisfy over $1 billion in legal judgments awarded to the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims. Judge Maya Guerra Gamble issued the ruling on September 13, 2023, in Austin, Texas, prompting potential changes to Jones’s operations within days.
This court order could effectively cut Jones off from broadcasting, as it mandates the appointment of a receiver to oversee the sale of Infowars’ assets. This development comes amid ongoing legal battles following the $1.5 billion in judgments against Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, for defamation and emotional distress stemming from his false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting.
Notably, this ruling coincides with the Onion‘s renewed effort to acquire Infowars, with CEO Ben Collins confirming via social media, “We’re working on it.”
In response to the order, Jones remained defiant during his broadcast on September 14, 2023, asserting that the court’s decision was improper. He vowed to continue broadcasting even if locked out of his studio, claiming he has an alternative setup ready. “People want to hear this show,” Jones stated, reinforcing his belief that the platform will remain operational despite legal adversities.
“They can harass me forever… And they won’t get me off the air,” Jones declared, showing no signs of retreat.
The families of Sandy Hook victims have faced years of harassment from Jones’s supporters, and their legal victory in 2022 was a significant moment in their quest for justice. The judge’s ruling allows the receiver, Gregory Milligan, to initiate the asset liquidation process, which must be completed within five days of formal notification to Free Speech Systems.
Additionally, the court has authorized law enforcement to assist in the transition, ensuring that the receiver can take possession of the assets without interference. While it remains unclear when the order will be executed, the implications for Jones and Infowars are immediate and severe.
Jones’s legal team has argued that the state court’s ruling is invalid due to ongoing bankruptcy proceedings in federal court, where Free Speech Systems also filed for bankruptcy in 2022. The bankruptcy judge previously ordered an auction of Infowars’ assets, which was disrupted when concerns arose about transparency and the legitimacy of bids, particularly an offer from The Onion.
As it stands, a state court hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2023, which may further influence the future of Infowars. Jones expressed uncertainty about the immediate future of his operations, stating, “I’m not exactly sure what will be happening next.”
The potential sale of Infowars raises pressing questions about the platform’s legacy and its influence on public discourse, especially given the emotional toll on Sandy Hook families. Many experts are closely monitoring the situation, as this case could set significant precedents for accountability in media and online platforms.
The urgency and volatility of this situation make it critical for followers of this story to stay updated as events unfold. The families of Sandy Hook victims are hopeful that this ruling will mark a turning point in their long fight against misinformation.
