Alex Jones to Liquidate Assets for Sandy Hook Debt Payment
TL/DR –
A judge has ordered the liquidation of Alex Jones’ personal assets to provide potential payouts to the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims. The ruling does not extend to Jones’ company, Free Speech Systems, which owns the Infowars brand and employs 44 people. Jones and his company have been ordered to pay a total of $1.5bn in defamation judgements over false claims about the 2012 attack, and his personal assets, estimated at around $8.6m, will now be sold to help cover these damages.
Alex Jones’ Assets to be Liquidated Following Defamation Judgements
Alex Jones, Infowars host, has been ordered by a judge to liquidate his assets, paving the way for potential payouts to Sandy Hook victims’ families. However, Free Speech Systems, Jones’ company that owns the Infowars brand, was spared from liquidation by US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez.
The victims’ families have won a total of $1.5bn in defamation judgements against Jones and his company for false statements about the 2012 mass shooting. The assets to be sold include a multimillion-dollar ranch, other properties, cars, boats, and guns. The recent court filings suggest Jones possesses around $8.6m in personal assets.
Free Speech Systems and Infowars Lives On
Friday’s ruling in Houston, Texas means that Free Speech Systems and Infowars will continue to operate. With 44 employees and monthly revenues of nearly $3.2m, primarily from dietary supplements and other item sales, Free Speech Systems is currently functioning. The decision doesn’t absolve Free Speech Systems’ liability, plaintiffs in the defamation case can still pursue their owed damages.
After the 2012 Sandy Hook attack, Jones and his guests consistently questioned the authenticity of the massacre, promoting conspiracy theories. This led to the victims’ families being harassed by Infowars viewers, which prompted defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas. These legal victories resulted in Jones and Free Speech Systems filing for bankruptcy.
Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Conversion
The hearing on Friday was regarding the conversion of these bankruptcy cases from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7, a US bankruptcy law that allows for simple liquidation rather than complex financial restructuring. Despite the controversies, Jones has continued his broadcasts and social media tirades against the US justice system, claiming a government plot to silence him.
Infowars viewers were told by lawyers representing the families that Jones is trying to devalue his company. However, Jones’ lawyers hit back, stating that the company had seen record sales recently.
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