CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR)—Attorneys for The Rutherford Institute are preparing to file a civil lawsuit against government officials who were involved in the arrest and detention of the 26-year-old Virginia resident, and Marine veteran Brandon Raub.
Raub was arrested by FBI, Secret Service agents and local police on August 16, 2012, and detained in a psychiatric ward from Aug. 16-Aug. 23, for posting controversial song lyrics and political views on his private Facebook page.
BONUS: Marine veteran Brandon Raub discusses detention over Facebook post
Judge Allan Sharrett, a Hopewell County judge, dismissed the case. He said that the original petition for Raub’s detention contained no facts. In other words, there was no information on why Raub was being held — and the judge deemed this violated his civil liberties.
The Rutherford Institute said that since coming to Raub’s defense, military veterans across the country have contacted them and recounted similar incidents.
BONUS: Full text, Brandon Raub’s proclamation: Take our Republic back
According to the press release, Rutherford Institute attorneys plan to take issue with the manner in which Virginia’s civil commitment statutes are being used to silence individuals engaged in lawfully exercising their free speech rights.
Anthony Troy and Brian Fowler with Troutman Sanders LLP of Richmond, Va., will be acting as affiliate attorneys for The Rutherford Institute in preparation of the civil lawsuit.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Chesterfield Marine veteran detained over Facebook posts
- Brandon Raub to be transferred to Salem psych ward
- Full text, Brandon Raub’s proclamation: Take our Republic back
- Mother of detained Marine vet says he’s a patriot, not a threat
- Statement from attorneys on Brandon Raub detention
- Chesterfield police: Raub resisted officers, was taken for evaluation
- Chesterfield Marine veteran to remain detained over Facebook posts
- Chesterfield man, Marine veteran, detained over Facebook posts
