A Texas jury found a San Antonio man, Eliazar Cisneros, violated the Ku Klux Klan Act during a trial related to a “Trump Train” convoy that swarmed a Joe Biden-Kamala Harris bus in Central Texas in October 2020. Cisneros was ordered to pay $10,000 in compensatory damages and a $30,000 punitive fine. The jury did not find five co-defendants liable. The incident involved cars supporting Trump surrounding and harassing the campaign bus. Former state Sen. Wendy Davis and other plaintiffs testified that they suffered severe anxiety and insomnia from the confrontation. The trial resulted in the first finding of liability under the support-or-advocacy clauses of the Klan Act in the modern era. Both sides claimed victory after the verdict. Cisneros did not comment but plans to appeal. Defense argued they were exercising free speech rights during a protest and criticized the plaintiffs for not targeting the most aggressive drivers. The trial also highlighted connections between defendants’ political beliefs and Christian faith. The plaintiffs reached a settlement with the city of San Marcos for failing to assist the bus. The trial dismantled the organization and execution of the Trump Train convoy. The plaintiffs experienced fear and anxiety long after the incident. The lawsuit was brought by Protect Democracy, the Texas Civil Rights Project, and other organizations. The plaintiffs are seeking to recover attorneys’ fees, potentially exceeding $1 million. The fate of these fees will be decided by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman.
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Texas jury finds only one ‘Trump Train’ defendant guilty, dismisses charges against all others
