A jury found defendants John Colin Hacker and Elizabeth Renee Richter, not liable in the civil case that journalist Andy Ngo brought against Rose City Antifa, and its alleged affiliated members. Ngo sued them for physically attacking him on several occasions since 2019 and claimed nearly $1 million in damages.
BREAKING: Today begins the trial of @MrAndyNgo vs. Rose City Antifa, et al.
Ngo is seeking nearly $1 million in damages from alleged Antifa violence, which began in 2019 in Portland, Oregon.
The trial is expected to last at minimum 5 days. Reporting by @KatieDaviscourt 🧵 pic.twitter.com/OyKq6qdLfZ
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 31, 2023
The information about the jury's decision was confirmed by the journalist on the social network X (formerly Twitter). He assured that he knew it would be difficult to win the legal battle and pointed out that it was a complex case. He further explained that the court dismissed Rose City Antifa, on July 14, on the grounds that a non-legal entity cannot be sued under Oregon law. "This sends a dangerous message that violent extremist groups can continue to organize criminal activities in Portland", Ngo wrote on the social network.
He maintained that the defendants are part of Antifa and commented that he is considering further legal options. "My hope is that violence will not silence truthful reporting on the activities of these organizations", said Ngo.
Since July 31, I've been the plaintiff in a trial in Portland to hold what I still consider to be a violent extremist group and its members accountable for their harmful activities, Andy Ngo v. Rose City Antifa, et al. Today, the jury returned a disappointing verdict finding John… pic.twitter.com/zzaI7TUaRc
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) August 8, 2023
During the trial, the defense insisted that Ngo has the right to sue his assailant, but that the black-clad attackers were never identified. The defendants' attorney, Michelle Burrows, - during her closing arguments - reportedly said that "I'm Antifa" and that she considers herself "anti-fascist," according to The Post Millenial.
BREAKING: Portland jury finds Antifa militants not liable in Andy Ngo attack, Antifa attorney declares ‘I AM ANTIFA’https://t.co/1hXacsNRV6
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) August 8, 2023
"Despite Antifa's significant recorded history of violence, she told the jury that Antifa's unfavorable reputation is untrue and depicted the organized militant group as activists fighting for social justice and civil rights," reported The Post Millenial.
Dorothy Yamamoto, attorney for Andy Ngo, recounted during the trial that her client was the victim of severe intimidation and attacks by several Antifa members, including Hacker and Ritcher. Yamamoto said that because of all of the above, Ngo was forced to leave Portland to try to rebuild his life in a place where he felt safer.
Violence after the end of the trial
At the conclusion of the trial, The Post Millennial reporter Katie Daviscourt reported that her car was vandalized. Daviscourt posted a video on social media showing how they smashed the windows of the vehicle. "After leaving the courthouse where I was reporting on Andy Ngo's trial against Antifa, I discovered that my car had been broken into. They smashed the windows, stole items and took personal identification documents," the reporter said.
BREAKING: After I left the courthouse where I was reporting on @MrAndyNgo’s trial against Antifa, I found that my car was broken into by my hotel.
The windows were busted out, items were stolen, and personal identification documents were taken—I’m obviously upset. pic.twitter.com/hDSwotOTer
— Katie Daviscourt (@KatieDaviscourt) August 9, 2023
