A federal appeals court has ruled that lawsuits against former US President Donald Trump over the US Capitol riot can proceed, rejecting Trump’s attempt to dismiss cases accusing him of inciting the violent mob on January 6, 2021, AP News reports.
The court rejected Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, stating that it does not shield him from liability in the lawsuits brought by Democratic lawmakers and police officers.
However, the court acknowledged that Trump can continue to argue that his actions were taken in his official capacity as president.
Trump had argued he couldn’t be sued over the riot, claiming his words during a rally addressed matters of public concern and fell within the scope of presidential immunity.
