By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Bankruptcy Trustee Plans to Liquidate Alex Jones's Infowars to Settle Sandy Hook Lawsuit Debts
A court appointed bankruptcy trustee has announced intentions to sell off right wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones's Infowars media empire to help settle the $1.5 billion debt owed to families affected by the Sandy Hook school shooting. In a recent court filing, trustee Christopher Murray outlined plans to shut down operations of Infowars's parent company, Free Speech Systems, and "liquidate its inventory."
This development follows a bankruptcy judge's decision to liquidate Mr. Jones's personal assets to compensate victims for spreading misinformation about the tragic 2012 shooting at a Connecticut school. The judge appointed Mr. Murray to oversee the liquidation process of Mr. Jones's assets.
Mr. Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, filed for bankruptcy in 2022 after facing multiple defamation lawsuits related to false claims about the Sandy Hook shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 20 children and six adults. Despite the bankruptcy filings, a judge ruled last year that Mr. Jones remains obligated to pay the $1.5 billion settlement.
As the bankruptcy proceedings continue, the Sandy Hook families have yet to receive any compensation from Mr. Jones.
Trustee Seeks Court Action Amid Dispute Over Sandy Hook Payments
In his legal filing, Mr. Murray requested a judge to temporarily halt the efforts of Sandy Hook families to collect payments from Mr. Jones. He argued that allowing these efforts to proceed could disrupt the sale process of Infowars's parent company, Free Speech Systems. Mr. Murray's request came after the families attempted to seize funds from Free Speech Systems, which he warned could cause significant upheaval within the business.
"The Trustee seeks the Court's intervention to prevent a disruptive financial move and ensure an orderly resolution," Mr. Murray emphasized in the filing.
Mr. Jones has previously stated that Infowars would continue broadcasting for a few more months, with plans to maximize earnings before winding down operations. Outside the courthouse after a prior bankruptcy hearing, Mr. Jones expressed this intention.
For years, Mr. Jones, aged 50, falsely alleged that the Sandy Hook school shooting was staged as part of a conspiracy to restrict gun rights. These unfounded claims resulted in harassment and death threats against the families of the victims.