Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuits Against MO Senators

A federal judge has dismissed defamation lawsuits against Missouri state senators Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins, and Nick Schroer, who falsely identified Denton Loudermill as a shooter and undocumented immigrant following the Kansas City Chiefs' parade shooting, which resulted in one death and 24 injuries. The court ruled there was no personal jurisdiction, as the social media posts were not intended to target Kansas residents, aligning with a previous dismissal involving U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett. Loudermill was detained but not charged after the incident, and his attorney plans to refile the lawsuits in Missouri. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey defended the senators, emphasizing that Missouri legal matters should be resolved in Missouri courts. The case underscores ongoing legal debates over jurisdiction and defamation in the digital age.