Giuliani: ‘No Reasonable Listener’ Would Have Taken ‘Trial By Combat’ Speech Literally

Responding to a lawsuit filed by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) that alleges the incitement of the riot at the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, Rudy Giuliani says his speech to Trump supporters to engage in ‘trial by combat’ was “clearly” hyperbole. From the New York Daily News:

President Trump’s former personal lawyer Thursday asserted his fiery speech was “clearly hyperbolic” and claims that “no reasonable listener” would take it literally, even though that’s exactly what the violent crowd of thousands did.

“The statement was clearly hyperbolic and not literal,” the filing said. “And even if it were to be perceived literally, Giuliani was clearly referring to an event in the future after evidence of election fraud is collected.”

CNBC

also reports on a second lawsuit brought by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and 10 other House Democrats, which accuses Giuliani, Donald Trump, and extremist groups the Oath Keepers, the Proud Boys and Warboys, of violating the federal Ku Klux Klan Act on Jan. 6 by firing up the MAGA cultists to stop Congress from confirming President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Separate motions to dismiss the suit on Thursday argued that Trump’s and Giuliani’s remarks at a pre-riot rally near the Capitol were protected under the First Amendment. Trump and Giuliani have asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit saying they were just exercising free speech.

NEW: Rudy Giuliani responds to lawsuit filed by Rep Bennie Thompson accusing Giuliani & Trump of inciting Jan 6 insurrection

He argues no reasonable person would have taken his phrase “trial by combat” as a call to arms… but is simply “hyperbole”

And more ==> pic.twitter.com/q4rtibSLGb

— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) May 27, 2021

Trump and Giuliani ask judge to dismiss lawsuit claiming they sparked Capitol riot — say they were just exercising free speech https://t.co/ejYskLn9Ch

— Mary (@Scrappy_Pro) May 27, 2021