Sandy Hook Families Frustrated as Alex Jones Bankruptcy Drags On

Legal Battle Over Alex Jones’ Bankruptcy Continues to Frustrate Sandy Hook Families

The protracted legal saga involving Alex Jones and the Sandy Hook families has taken yet another twist. As the families seek justice and closure, the bankruptcy proceedings have become a source of continued frustration and delay.

Alex Jones speaks to the media after arriving at the federal courthouse in Houston for a bankruptcy hearing in June 2024. David J. Phillip/AP

In a federal bankruptcy court in Texas, the proceedings have hit yet another snag. Despite the Sandy Hook families’ hopes of nearing the end of their legal struggle to collect the $1.3 billion awarded to them, the process remains stalled, with Judge Christopher Lopez expressing frustration over the prolonged nature of the case. “This case has been pending since 2022, folks. It just needs to end,” remarked Lopez, emphasizing that continued delays only deplete the funds available for the families.

However, the judge’s stance on how to handle the sale of Infowars’ parent company, Free Speech Systems, has added to the uncertainty. While previously against another bankruptcy auction, Lopez indicated a need to reconsider, leaving room for further contemplation on the matter.

For the Sandy Hook families, this development is another unexpected obstacle in their pursuit of closure after years of legal battles. “Jones is obviously throwing every roadblock in the way [to avoid] accountability,” said Avi Moshenberg, representing the families. Moshenberg highlighted the desire for resolution and justice, stating, “These families have been through enough. They want closure.”

Jones, who declared bankruptcy following defamation suits in Connecticut and Texas, was accused of promoting falsehoods that the Sandy Hook shootings were staged. His claims led to harassment of the families by Jones’ followers, despite Jones later admitting the tragedy’s reality.

The bankruptcy case has seen numerous unexpected turns, including a canceled auction won by satirical site The Onion, and a reversal by the judge on whether the company could be sold via bankruptcy court. Now, the families are urged to pursue their claims in state court, although Jones continues to resist this route.

Shelby Jordan, representing Jones, argued that the Sandy Hook families are misusing the bankruptcy process against Jones. “It’s always been ‘destroy the brand, and take him off the air,'” Jordan claimed.

As the hearing wrapped up, Judge Lopez seemed less inclined to proceed with another auction, stating, “I don’t think I’ve changed my mind here,” while also leaving the door open for potential future changes.