Protesters are suing police over last summer’s arrest outside the home of Leonard Leo, a conservative legal activist in Maine, alleging First Amendment rights were violated, the Associated Press reported.
Eli Durand-McDonnell was arrested last June for protesting outside the home of conservative legal activist Leonard Leo following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Roe v. Wade case. according to to AP. Durand McDonnell filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday, claiming he was singled out by two police officers from a crowd of several demonstrators on Leo’s orders, according to the Associated Press.
Durand McDonnell was charged with disorderly conduct at the time, but the charges have since been dropped, The Associated Press reported. (Related: Authorities arrest 180 people following violent protests in France)
Leo, co-president of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group, helped select Supreme Court candidates during the Trump administration and was involved in the planning process for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s trip with billionaire Paul Singer.
Leo’s private security guards called police to Leo’s Northeast Harbor home on July 31, 2022, according to the Associated Press. Audio from a police officer’s microphone captured Leo’s conversation with police, according to the Associated Press, revealing Leo had admitted that there were no demonstrators on his property. The Associated Press reports that earlier in the day, Mr. Leo was named by name for allegedly abusing Mr. Leo and his family, and police were also shown being taken to Durand McDonald’s.
A police officer watches as abortion rights advocates demonstrate. (Photo credit: Bonnie Cash/Getty Images)
“I think it’s time to press charges,” Leo said.
Durand McDonnell claimed he was exercising his First Amendment rights because Maine law requires a police officer to witness the act, according to the Associated Press.
“Lieutenant. Edgecombe and Constable Formby made this illegal and retaliatory arrest to prevent Durand-McDonnell from free speech, and on Leo’s direct orders.” according to to litigation.
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