JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed a brief urging New York to vacate Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s prosecution against President Trump. This action follows an assassination attempt on President Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
“Three days ago, Americans watched in horror as President Trump was shot in the head and nearly killed at a campaign rally. This attack came in the days after New York tethered him to a courtroom, so they could launch a politically motivated, legally specious, and corrupt prosecution against him,” said Attorney General Bailey. “And still, he is gagged and unable to speak freely as he campaigns. The political witch hunt has been replete with legal error from the beginning, tarnishing the ability of Missouri voters to hear from a presidential candidate. Missouri will not sit idly by while New York destroys the rule of law. I am asking the Court to vacate his errant conviction in order to ensure a fair presidential election.”
In his brief, Bailey argues that Missourians have significant interests in dismissing the indictment because it deprives them of essential voting information, impairs Missouri's 10 electors' federal authority, and interferes with their associational rights.
New York’s restrictions on President Trump are complicating his campaign efforts in Missouri due to potential travel limitations and an ongoing gag order limiting his speech.
“The prosecution of Trump has infringed and will continue to infringe the First Amendment rights of millions of Missourians to ‘receive information and ideas’ regarding one of the most important public questions—whom to elect as president,” wrote General Bailey.
Referencing the assassination attempt at Trump's rally on July 13, Bailey stated: “Trump’s ability to travel and speak freely and fully during his campaign is more important now than ever... The weaponization of our legal system is anathema to our political process... This court is uniquely positioned... It should take it.”
Missouri seeks immediate dismissal of the indictment against Trump for protecting Missourians' right to a free election.
This filing is part of several actions taken by Attorney General Bailey concerning prosecutions against President Trump:
- Filing a lawsuit against New York at the United States Supreme Court.
- Launching an investigation into Biden’s Department of Justice.
- Testifying before Congress about DA Bragg's prosecution.
- Calling on Congress to defund certain groups influencing local prosecutors.
- Filing briefs supporting Trump's immunity case decided by the Supreme Court.
- Filing briefs ensuring Trump's ballot presence in Colorado and Michigan.
- Filing briefs opposing unconstitutional gag orders.
The full amicus brief can be accessed here.