According to a recent article in the Kansas City Star, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt stated that the state should not be held responsible for paying damages in a lawsuit filed against two state senators for sharing false information about a Kansas City shooting. The lawsuit was filed by four women who were falsely accused of taking part in the shooting.
Schmitt argues that the state’s legal defense should not cover any damages awarded in the case, as the senators were not acting within the scope of their official duties when they shared the false information online. He believes that it is the responsibility of the senators themselves to pay for any damages that may be awarded in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that the senators, who are both Republicans, shared false information on social media linking the women to the shooting without any evidence to support their claims. The women have since been cleared of any involvement in the shooting, which took place in 2019.
Schmitt’s stance on the issue has sparked debate among lawmakers and legal experts in Missouri. Some believe that the state should cover the damages, as the senators were acting in their capacity as public officials when they made the false statements. Others argue that the senators should be held personally responsible for their actions.
It remains to be seen how the lawsuit will proceed and whether the state will ultimately be responsible for any damages awarded. In the meantime, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it, particularly in a public and influential position.
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