A Texas jury found that a San Antonio man violated the Ku Klux Klan Act in a civil trial over a “Trump Train” convoy that swarmed a Joe Biden-Kamala Harris bus in October 2020. Eliazar Cisneros, the main defendant, was ordered to pay $10,000 in compensatory damages and a $30,000 punitive fine. The incident involved cars with Trump flags surrounding the bus for over 90 minutes, causing fear and anxiety among the passengers. The verdict marked the first time a defendant was found liable under the Klan Act’s clauses. Both sides claimed victory following the trial, with defendants emphasizing their First Amendment rights and financial strain due to legal fees. The trial also revealed the defendants’ strong ties between their political beliefs and Christian faith. The plaintiffs’ attorneys argued that Cisneros orchestrated the plan to harass the bus, with two friends assisting. The plaintiffs sought to recover attorneys’ fees exceeding $1 million. Witnesses testified to long-term emotional and mental distress resulting from the incident. This verdict follows a settlement with the city of San Marcos, which was accused of ignoring pleas for help during the convoy. The trial dismantled the organization of the Trump Train convoy and highlighted tension between political convictions, religious beliefs, and legal consequences. Both sides are likely to continue the legal battle, with the possibility of an appeal in the future.
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