Erica Lafferty, daughter of slain Sandy Hook Elementary principal Dawn Hochsprung, posted a string of emotional tweets following the delivery of the verdict of the Alex Jones trial.
Lafferty not only lost her mother in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, but she has also been threatened by followers of Jones, who claimed for years that the shooting was a hoax.
Jones was ordered to pay nearly $1 billion in damages to families of Sandy Hook victims.
Following the delivery of the verdict, Lafferty took to Twitter to share an emotional thread, sharing her disappointment and anger not only because of Jones but because he was allowed a platform to spew his theories and push his agenda.
She tweeted:
"My name is Erica, I am the daughter of Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, the principal of sandy hook school—and as I was testifying about the rape threats that were sent to me because of Alex Jones’ lies, he was on the steps of the courthouse holding a press conference spreading his hate and further pushing his dangerous agenda."
"After almost a decade of threats and messages from conspiracy theorists lead by Jones, this is a moment years in the making. And in this big moment, like in every big moment since the shooting, I just wish I could call my mom and tell her about it."
"I would tell her about the horror of watching Alex Jones hold court with press outside the courthouse."
\u201che was on the steps of the courthouse holding a press conference spreading his hate and further pushing his dangerous agenda.\n\nAfter almost a decade of threats and messages from conspiracy theorists lead by Jones, this is a moment years in the making. And in this big moment,\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619772
\u201clike in every big moment since the shooting, I just wish I could call my mom and tell her about it.\n\nI would tell her about the horror of watching Alex Jones hold court with press outside the courthouse.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619772
She added:
"The disappointment of watching so many news outlets who’ve known us since 12/14 run his words unfiltered. The heartbreak of reliving the shooting as so many families took the stand to share stories of their slain loved ones."
Lafferty also wanted to tell her mother about the positives, listing news stations and allies who refused to give Jones a platform and instead offered support and compassion.
"But I would also tell her about the bright spots."
\u201cNews stations like @NBCConnecticut refused to give a platform to a dangerous conspiracy theorist. The jury bravely bore witness to our pain, sitting through hours of testimony that is unlikely to leave their minds anytime soon.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619772
\u201cI wish I could tell my mom about all of this. I wish I could tell her about so many things that have happened since she was murdered. I will never stop missing her.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619772
She shared:
"I wish I could tell my mom about all of this."
"I wish I could tell her about so many things that have happened since she was murdered."
"I will never stop missing her."
Lafferty acknowledged there will be others like Jones, but "a message has been sent" and "they learned that they will be held accountable."
\u201cI wish that after today, I could just be a daughter grieving my mom and stop worrying about conspiracy theorists sending me threats, or worse. But I know that this is not the end of Alex Jones in my life.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619772
\u201cthat we all were put through as we simply tried to survive the hardest days of our lives. \n\nI am incredibly proud and thankful of the message we sent here today: The truth matters. And those who profit off of other people\u2019s trauma will pay for what they\u2019ve done.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619772
\u201cThere will be more Alex Joneses in the world. But today they learned that they will be held accountable.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619772
Lafferty finished her thread with a beautiful tribute to her mother.
\u201cI hope, one day, I\u2019ll become a fraction of the woman you were. I love you, Mommy.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
Many shared their support and noted Lafferty's bravery throughout the entire process.
\u201c@ericalaff @DHochsprung Erica, you already ARE the strong, capable, compassionate and amazing woman she raised you to be. She is with you always and is no doubt exceptionally proud today. \ud83d\udc9c\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
\u201c@ericalaff @DHochsprung My heart aches for you-I can\u2019t imagine the pain you\u2019ve suffered. Know that most of the world stands with you and are disgusted by Alex Jones and his conspiracy theorists. Your mom would be proud of your strength and resilience through the unbearable pain. Sending you much love.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
\u201c@ericalaff @DHochsprung Your Mother knows. She has been watching over you all along. I hope you find your way through your personal grief and heal. \nThere is no penalty/punishment adequate for Alex Jones and his haters. But taking all his money is a good start.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
\u201c@ericalaff @DHochsprung I want to thank you and the other plaintiffs for taking him to court. I know it was such a brutally long, hard road. And you will have to fight to get the money. But the world will be a better place for it. Hugs from a stranger.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
\u201c@ericalaff @DHochsprung Your incredible strength and resilience through your grief and through this man\u2019s specific brand of hatred and cruelty speaks volumes to your mom\u2019s love and legacy. Please feel the support of many as you continue to walk through each day. \ud83d\udc95\ud83d\ude4f\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
\u201c@ericalaff @DHochsprung Thank you for your bravery. What you have done will make a huge difference for the whole country, and I know your mom would be proud. We hold all of the families in our thoughts. Thank you.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
\u201c@ericalaff @DHochsprung Wishing you nothing but peace. Your mom must be so proud - I know as a mom, Im proud of people like you and hope my girls will grow to tell hard truths like you. Im in awe of your bravery through the pain. And im so sorry for what that man put you through.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
\u201c@ericalaff @DHochsprung You all have endured so much pain and trauma. I hope that today\u2019s verdict will bring you some peace. I\u2019m sorry your mom was taken away from you and that you are missing her in your life. Stay strong.\u201d— Erica Leslie Lafferty (@Erica Leslie Lafferty) 1665619773
Though nothing can change Lafferty's experiences, we hope the settlement brings at least some relief and comfort.
And makes others think twice before profiting off lies and adding to the trauma of others.
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The Washington Post