A federal jury in Texas cleared most of the drivers involved in the 2020 “Trump Train” incident, where Trump supporters surrounded a Biden-Harris campaign bus. While most defendants were found not liable, one driver was ordered to pay $10,000 in damages. The trial focused on whether their actions constituted political intimidation.
Federal Jury Clears Most Trump Train Drivers in 2020 Incident
A federal jury in Austin, Texas, reached a decision regarding the “Trump Train” incident that occurred in October 2020. The case revolved around a convoy of Trump supporters who surrounded a Biden-Harris campaign bus during the 2020 presidential election.
Civil Trial Over Political Intimidation
The civil trial centered on claims that the actions of the “Trump Train” drivers amounted to political intimidation. Wendy Davis, a former Democratic lawmaker aboard the Biden-Harris bus, testified that she feared for her life during the incident. The bus was surrounded on Interstate 35 by vehicles waving Trump flags, forcing it to slow down significantly.
Jury’s Verdict: Liability and Compensation
After a two-week trial, the jury cleared most of the defendants of any wrongdoing. However, one driver was found liable and ordered to pay $10,000 to the bus driver. The trial did not result in any criminal charges for the six Trump supporters involved in the civil lawsuit.
Civil Rights Advocates’ Response
Civil rights advocates had hoped for a guilty verdict, which they believed would have set a precedent regarding political violence and intimidation. While the jury’s decision did not deliver that message, the case highlighted concerns over escalating tensions during political campaigns.
Incident Background
On October 20, 2020, the Biden-Harris bus was en route to Austin from San Antonio when it was surrounded by vehicles supporting then-President Donald Trump. Video footage recorded by Wendy Davis showed the trucks boxing in the bus, which was forced to reduce its speed to around 15 miles per hour. The event scheduled at Texas State University was canceled after repeated calls to 911 for police assistance went unanswered.
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