Swalwell Statement on Court Decision Allowing January 6 Lawsuit Against Donald Trump to Proceed

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-14) released the following statement after a federal judge ruled that his civil lawsuit against President Donald Trump, related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, will proceed toward trial on most claims:

“Donald Trump thinks he can get away with murder,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “This lawsuit is long overdue for his hand in the destruction of our Capitol and the attack on our democracy on January 6. This case is for my colleagues, the brave Capitol Police officers, Americans everywhere, and the future of our nation. Those who incited and fueled the violence must be held responsible. I’m thankful that we will get some accountability and some measure of closure from that dark day. And that finally, the truth will come to light. We deserve it.”

In March 2021, Rep. Swalwell, along with other Members of Congress and Capitol Police officers, filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia seeking civil damages for injuries and trauma resulting from the January 6 attack. In February 2022, President Trump sought to dismiss the case entirely. A judge rejected that attempt, stating the case against him was plausible.

 In more recent filings, President Trump asked the court to tell the officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 that he was immune from any responsibility for the death, injury, and destruction caused when the mob answered his call and descended upon them. Today, the court said no to each request made by President Trump’s attorneys.

With today’s ruling, the court rejected those arguments in large part, allowing the case to proceed toward trial on most claims.

View the decision here. 

###