Western Reader
In a significant victory for free speech and journalistic integrity, Portland-based journalist Andy Ngo was awarded $300,000 in damages by Multnomah County Circuit Judge Chanpone Sinlapasai.
The ruling came after a lawsuit accusing three alleged Antifa rioters of physically assaulting him during protests in 2019.
Ngo, known for his fearless reporting on the violent activities of Antifa, has been a target of the group’s ire for years.
His relentless pursuit of truth and justice has exposed the dangerous tactics employed by these extremists, leading to an increase in public awareness about the threat they pose to public safety.
However, this exposure came at a great personal cost to Ngo, who endured physical attacks, threats, and harassment from the group.
A critic of mine went to peacefully protest the #Antifa “festival” recruiting event in Portland, Ore. His sign read, “Andy Ngo is wrong but so is beating people up.”
He was then confronted and violently assaulted. Read the @TPostMillennial exclusive: https://t.co/FuxVZBkaWr
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) August 23, 2023
The lawsuit detailed a harrowing incident in June 2019 when Ngo was attacked during protests in Portland.
Unidentified members of Rose City Antifa assaulted Ngo, leaving him with severe injuries that required hospitalization.
According to the lawsuit, Ngo was diagnosed with a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage following the attack and continues to receive treatment for the severe pain, humiliation, and emotional distress he suffered.
The defendants in the case, Corbyn (Katherine) Belyea, Madison “Denny” Lee Allen, and Joseph Evans, now legally known as Sammich Overkill Schott-Deputy, were found liable for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Despite their failure to defend themselves in court, the judge ordered them to equally split the damage payments among themselves.
On Aug. 19 at the #Antifa event in Portland, a peaceful protester standing on the edge of Colonel Summers Park with the sign, “Andy Ngo is wrong but so is beating people up” was violently attacked.
Before the assault, the victim was approached by my trial defendant John Hacker… pic.twitter.com/K1LrG3Bvb5
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) August 23, 2023
Despite the victory, Ngo remains realistic about the challenges ahead. He acknowledges that collecting the awarded damages will be difficult given the defendants’ history of evasion.
However, he remains undeterred in his mission to hold Antifa accountable for their violent actions.
This ruling is a testament to Ngo’s resilience and determination.
Despite a disappointing jury verdict earlier this month, where two activists were cleared of all civil liability in a lawsuit filed by Ngo, he continues to fight for justice. His courage and commitment to upholding the First Amendment rights are commendable.
Ngo’s victory is not just a personal one; it is a victory for all journalists who risk their lives to expose the truth.
It sends a clear message to violent extremists that their actions will not go unpunished. This landmark ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving violence against journalists, reinforcing the importance of press freedom in our society.
At the end of the day, Andy Ngo’s triumph in court is a beacon of hope for journalists everywhere. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of truth and justice, no matter how perilous, is a noble endeavor that deserves recognition and protection.
This article appeared in The Record Daily and has been published here with permission.
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