Security Alleged Excessive Force at Town Hall | St. Louis News

Five protesters who say they were violently assaulted by U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell’s security team at a town hall last August have filed a lawsuit, alleging excessive force and psychological harm — just weeks before Bell’s high-stakes rematch against Cori Bush. The suit, which includes claims of being grabbed by the throat and thrown against walls, accuses Bell and his team of targeting demonstrators over their opposition to his Gaza stance. Bell’s office counters that protesters were disruptive and posed a threat, calling the suit a politically motivated distraction. One plaintiff, Christine Wilmes, says she was shoved and injured while simply asking questions. All five are seeking $25,000 each, arguing the case is about protecting free speech — and delays were due to legal review and court backlogs. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ade7d3a2bea25e21