Overview

Alexander Emerick Jones is an American far-right radio host; conspiracy theorist; and founder of the Infowars media empire who became the subject of one of the largest defamation judgments in American history. For years after the December 14; 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre that killed 20 children and 6 staff members in Newtown; Connecticut; Jones repeatedly claimed on his show that the shooting was a "giant hoax" staged by "crisis actors" as part of a government plot to confiscate firearms. His broadcasts reached millions of listeners and viewers; and the families of the victims were subsequently subjected to years of harassment; stalking; and death threats from Jones's followers. Several families were forced to move multiple times; some changed their names; and at least one father; Jeremy Richman; died by suicide after years of torment. In 2018; families of 10 victims filed defamation lawsuits against Jones in both Texas and Connecticut courts. Jones was found liable by default in both cases after repeatedly failing to comply with court-ordered discovery; including destruction of evidence. In October 2022; a Connecticut jury awarded $965 million in compensatory damages; and a Texas jury had previously awarded $49.3 million. Combined with additional punitive damages and legal fees; the total judgment exceeded $1.5 billion. Jones filed for personal bankruptcy in December 2022 and his company Free Speech Systems filed for Chapter 11. A bankruptcy judge approved the liquidation of Jones's personal assets to pay the families. Beyond Sandy Hook; Jones has promoted conspiracy theories about the September 11 attacks (claiming they were an "inside job"); the Oklahoma City bombing; the Boston Marathon bombing; the 2017 Las Vegas shooting; and numerous mass casualty events. He also promoted the QAnon conspiracy theory; the "Pizzagate" hoax that led to an armed man attacking a Washington D.C. pizzeria; and was a key figure in promoting the January 6; 2021 rally that preceded the Capitol insurrection. Jones was subpoenaed by the January 6th Committee; which obtained text messages showing he had been in contact with members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. His Infowars operation generated tens of millions of dollars annually through the sale of dietary supplements; survivalist gear; and other products marketed through fear-based advertising during his broadcasts.

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3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports